Coogle, Lucas Headed Towards Runoff; Other Tidbits from Last Night

In the race for HD 139, Conservative Democrat Thomas Coogle (D-Montezuma) will face Patty Bentley (D-Butler) in the August 21 runoff. Coogle received 40%, while Bentley got 39%. Peach County Commissioner Michael Dinkins finished third with 20%.

In the race for SD 26, former State Representative David Lucas finished with 49% while incumbent Miriam Paris, who won in a special election to replace the late Robert Brown got 45% while 5% of voters wasted their votes on Irving Martinez.

Incumbent State Sen. Cecil Staton dodged a upset bid from Upson County Republican Spencer Price. Staton received 51% while Price got 49%

Over in HD 137 Debbie Buckner (D-Junction City) beat back challengers Travis Chambers & Kuwonna Mahone Ingram garnering 55% of the vote. It goes to show that messaging wins elections, not playing the race or gender card!

Retiring State Rep Sistie Hudson won her bid for Hancock County Commission Chairmanship beating incumbent Samuel Duggan & Terrell Reid. Congrats to Rep Hudson. If there's anyone who can turn Georgia's poorest counties around, its you!

SD 15 Ed Harbison (D-Columbus) easily wins re-election over Reginald Pugh with over 70% of the vote. Harbison obtained many of the counties fotrmerly held by George Hooks (D-Americus) who retired after 30 years serving in the Georgia Legislature.

Down in Telfair County Challenger Chris Steverson defeated Incumbent Johnny Smith with 51% of the vote. Steverson will face Republican Grady McGhee in November

The T-Splost passed in the River Valley, Heart of Georgia, Central Savannah Regions, but failed in the Middle Georgia Region.