Runoff outcome could boost Georgia Democrats’ power in state House

ATLANTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) — Georgia Democrats are preparing to take control of the state House, but a South Georgia runoff could determine the size of their majority.

Unofficial results show Democrats with 92 seats and Republicans with 87. One seat remains undecided.

Democrats have not held the House majority in more than 20 years. Their leaders will now have to determine how to govern and bring a new group of members together.

Rep. Sam Park said Democrats plan to focus on working together during the next two years.

“And unity is our power. And we will be committed to delivering for the people of Georgia over these next two years,” Park said.

District 151 runoff remains undecided

Election workers across Georgia are checking paper ballots against the results in 20 other races. Some counties are also preparing for a runoff.

In District 151, Republican incumbent Mike Cheokas is facing Democrat Ethan Wolfe. Democratic Rep. Patty Stinson is encouraging voters to return to the polls.

“Just make sure that they have all the details about early voting for the runoff and making sure that they get out, turn the vote out,” Stinson said. “So that’s what runoffs are about, just turning out your base.”

House Democratic leaders said they want the seat. House Democratic Leader Carolyn Hugley said Democrats expect to win the district.

“I’m just going to tell you, we’re claiming House District 151 on this day. Put it in the record. That we’re going to win that,” Hugley said.

Counties have until Wednesday, Nov. 18, to finish the audit. Early voting in the District 151 runoff starts next week. Election Day is Dec. 1.