Incumbents take lead in primary

While the results haven’t been declared official just yet, Houston County incumbents took the lead in the Georgia Primary election, Tuesday.

Brad Raffensperger, Georgia Secretary of State, announced prior to the election that results were not to be released until all polls were closed in the state. Problems arose all throughout the state regarding issues with the new voting machines, and as a result, judges in those areas ruled to have the voting precincts extend hours until 10 p.m.

Raffensperger also announced an extension to count absentee ballots until the end of the week due to a record number of absentee ballots requested in each county. Georgia’s primary election was to be held in March, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic was postponed until June 9. Through that, Raffensperger’s office launched an absentee ballot initiative, mailing ballot applications to all registered voters in the state.

Deborah Presswood, Houston County Elections Supervisor, said last month that more than 20,000 absentee ballots were requested in Houston County. As of Friday morning, the Houston County Board of Elections office was still in the process of counting absentee ballots.

As of June 10, 2020 at 12:54 a.m., results from all precincts in Houston County were posted. Incumbent Senator Larry Walker III (R-20) took the lead against his challenger, Franklin E. Wetmore, by receiving 92.81% of the votes. Wetmore received 7.19%.

“I am honored and humbled by the support from my district, and look forward in continuing to serve them,” Walker said. “I am available if my constituents need anything; they can contact my office. I know we’re up against some trying times, but we’re going to be focusing in on getting our economy back going again. I look forward to my election in November and continuing to serve.”

Walker will now face Democratic challenger, Julius Newberry Johnson for the November General Election.

Incumbent State Representative Heath Clark (R-147) also took the lead against his challenger, Miranda Britt, receiving 88.14% of the votes. Britt received 11.86%.

“I’m grateful and thankful for the support of all the people that turned out to vote and trust in me to be their voice in Atlanta,” Clark said. “Going forward, honestly, I will be focused on the session returning next week. Right now, it’s about passing good legislation to help Georgia, and more specifically, middle Georgia and Houston County. Once we complete the session, I will turn my focus to the election in November.”

Clark will now face Democratic challenger, Stephen Baughier, for the November General Election.

Incumbent Houston County District Attorney George Hartwig received 72.58% of the votes against his challenger, Arthur J. Creque, who received 27.42%. Hartwig will face Democratic challenger, Erikka B. Williams, in the November General Election. Houston County Board of Education District 1 Post incumbent, Rick Unruh won with 50.22% of votes. His challenger, Dallas Yvonne Anderson, received 49.78% of the votes.

On the federal level, the results are as follows:

•President of the United States – Republican incumbent President Donald J. Trump 100% votes (no challengers in Republican party) and Democratic challenger Joseph R. Biden with 87.67% votes (11 challengers in Democratic party).

•Georgia United States Senator – Republican incumbent Senator David Perdue 100% votes (no challengers in Republican party) and Democratic challenger Jon Ossoff with 36.34% (6 challengers in Democratic party).

•Georgia U.S. House Representative District 8 – Republican incumbent Congressman Austin Scott 89.90% votes (2 challengers in Republican party) and Democratic challenger Lindsay Holliday 100% votes (no challengers in Democratic party).

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