Georgia Republicans went into Tuesday’s General Election controlling 103 of the 180 House seats and 34 of the 56 seats in the Senate. And by the end of the night little had changed with Republicans only giving up a few seats – and flipping a few others. The GOP also held control of the statewide offices, with voters electing the Republican slate from Governor Brian Kemp to Lt. Governor Burt Jones, and all the way down the ballot.
In fact, many of the House and Senate seats had already been decided in the Primary leaving little room for surprise. There were no Democrats on the ballots in 42 state districts and no Republican candidate in 28 districts.
By the time all the votes were counted Tuesday night, Fulton County had picked up another Republican seat when Deborah Silcox won the House District 53 race. Silcox was originally elected to the House in 2016 – at that time representing District 52. But she was defeated by Democrat Shea Roberts in 2020. Redistricting left the two in different districts. Roberts held on to the HD 52 seat in this year’s race, while Silcox gave Fulton County another Republican seat when she defeated Democrat Kelly Coffman Tuesday night.
Republicans gained a seat when former State Representative Scott Hilton of Peachtree Corners beat state Rep. Mary Robichaux, a Democrat from Roswell, in the House District 48 race. Hilton served in the Georgia General Assembly from 2017 – 2019 before being defeated by Democrat Beth Moore in 2018. During his tenure, he was appointed to the Education and Healthcare committees, eventually rising to a leadership role as Deputy Whip. He authored legislation to give parents greater school choice and empower individuals with disabilities.
“When Democrats frequently serve the interest of their party over their constituents in Atlanta and other parts of the county, I’m very thankful to have more Republican representation in Fulton County in House Districts 53 and 48,” said Trey Kelly, Chairman Fulton County Republican Party.
In Metro Atlanta, Democrats gained a seat that many thought would be won by a Republican when State Rep. Josh McLaurin, D-Atlanta, beat Liz Hausmann, a Republican Fulton County Commissioner from Johns Creek. Also, Democrat Sen. Michelle Au, of Johns Creek, won a state House seat after being drawn into a Republican-leaning Senate district.
In the state House, Democrat Ruwa Romman of Johns Creek won House District 97 over Republican John Chan and will became the first Muslim woman in the chamber.
Republican Tim Fleming, former chief of staff to Gov. Brian Kemp and ex-Newton County commissioner, allowed the Republicans to hold on to a seat when he won the District 11 race. This seat was up for grabs after Republican Rep. Dave Belton decided not to run for re-election. It was the only state House or Senate race in Rockdale and Newton counties in which there was no incumbent.
In the Senate, Rep. Ed Setzler, won the District 37 seat which represents Acworth, after representing the House District 35 since 2005.
Republican Shawn Still of Norcross became the first State Senator in the newly-drawn District 48, defeating Democrat Josh Uddin. In the new district, Still represents a portion of south Forsyth County and portions of Fulton and Gwinnett counties
Democrat Jason Esteves, who has served as chairman of the Atlanta school board, defeated Fred Glass, a Republican financial advisor from Atlanta, for the Senate seat currently held by Sen. Jen Jordan, D-Atlanta. Jordan ran this year for attorney general.
