RESULTS: Georgia runoff elections in congressional, state races
Two Republicans faced off for a shot at replacing a retiring west Georgia congressman as runoff elections were held across the state Tuesday, as challengers oust several incumbent state lawmakers.
Georgians returned to the polls in several races that required runoffs because no candidate won more than half the vote in the May 24 primaries.
Low turnout was expected. The Georgia Secretary of State's office said about 20 percent of registered voters turned out for the primary two months ago.
Click here for Georgia Judicial runoff results
Here's a look at the top Georgia runoffs Tuesday:
WEST GEORGIA CONGRESSIONAL SEAT
Republican voters in West Georgia made the choice between a state lawmaker and a former mayor to be their nominee to replace retiring GOP Rep. Lynn Westmoreland in the 3rd Congressional District.
Former West Point Mayor Drew Ferguson was supported by five of his former opponents from the May primary as well as Westmoreland, who called Ferguson "a strong, conservative voice." His opponent, State Sen. Mike Crane, ran on his reputation as one of the Senate's most socially conservative members and campaigned Friday with Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.
Ferguson touted his support for law enforcement after Crane forcefully criticized so-called "no knock" warrants that can allow police to launch raids without announcing themselves. Some sheriffs and police organizations criticized Crane after he declared in February: "You come to my house, kick down my door, if I have an opportunity, I will shoot you dead."
Ferguson pulled 54 percent of the vote when all was said and done. He will face Democrat Angela Pendley in November. The district strongly favors Republicans.
Click here for Results from the U.S. House runoff results
SHOWDOWN OVER BRAVES STADIUM
As the Atlanta Braves prepare to leave the city, voters in the team's new home of suburban Cobb County decided whether the local official who engineered the stadium deal got to keep his job.
Tim Lee, chairman of the Cobb County Commission, faced a runoff with retired Marine Corps officer Mike Boyce.
Lee finished second in the May primary behind Boyce, who criticized the secrecy of negotiations between Lee and the Braves. Boyce argued bonds shouldn't have been issued in the deal without first being approved by voters.
Lee defended the deal, saying the new SunTrust Park will boost the local economy and negotiations had to begin privately as most sensitive development projects do.
In the end, voters made it clear it was time for a change with Boyce taking in 64 percent of the vote.
Click here for county runoff race results
GEORGIA HOUSE CHALLENGES
Three incumbents in the Georgia House needed to overcome runoff challengers to keep their seats, but each came up short in their respective races.
Chatsworth farmer Jason Ridley beat out Rep. Tom Dickson, a Cohutta Republican, in a GOP campaign focused on education. No Democrats signed up to run for the seat.
Griffin chiropractor Karen Mathiak successfully challenged Rep. John Yates, a Griffin Republican. Yates, the last World War II veteran serving in the Legislature, has been in office for more than two decades. Mathiak will face Democrat Rahim Talley in November.
Rhonda Burnough, a Riverdale school administrator, beat out the incumbent Democratic Rep. Darryl Jordan in a district representing parts of Clayton County. No Republican was running for the seat.
Click here to view results from the Georgia state race runoff results
BLACK CAUCUS LEADER
After giving up her state House seat to run for the Senate, the leader of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus was trying to battle back from a second-place finish in the May primary.
Dee Dawkins-Haigler, a Lithonia minister, faced a runoff with fellow pastor Tonya Anderson of Lithonia. Anderson got the most votes in the primary, but fell short of the majority needed to avoid a runoff.
As of early Wednesday morning, Anderson led by only eight votes which would lead to a recount.
Anderson will face GOP Sen. JaNice Van Ness of Conyers, who won a special election last year in the competitive district, this fall if certified the winner.