Fuller and Thomas Win Runoff Elections in Key Local Races

DADE COUNTY — Voters across northwest Georgia made their decisions Tuesday in the special runoff elections for Georgia’s 14th Congressional District and State Senate District 53.

In the congressional race, Republican Clayton Fuller defeated Democrat Shawn Harris to win the 14th District seat. According to the Associated Press, Fuller received 57.5 percent of the vote, compared to 42.5 percent for Harris. The race was called at 8:23 p.m.

Fuller earned more than 63,000 votes across the district, while Harris received just over 46,000. The election fills the unexpired term for the seat.

In the State Senate District 53 race, Republican Lanny Thomas secured a decisive victory over Democrat John Bentley “Jack” Zibluk.

Thomas received 68.7 percent of the vote with more than 22,000 votes, while Zibluk finished with 31.3 percent and just over 10,000 votes. The Associated Press called the race at 8:04 p.m.

State Senate District 53 includes portions of northwest Georgia, including Dade County and surrounding areas.

Voter turnout was a key factor in both races following early voting.

Election officials say final results will be certified in the coming days.