Democrats say they have flipped Georgia’s state House; some races are still unsettled

With just a handful of races left to be called a day after Tuesday’s midterm elections, Democrats appear poised to take control of the Georgia state House of Representatives, ending more than two decades of Republican control of the chamber.

Democrats needed to flip control of 10 seats to control 91 seats in the 180-member chamber, and party leaders expressed confidence they will narrowly exceed that margin when all the votes are counted.

“Georgia voters have made their voices heard, and history has been made,” said House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley of Columbus. “The Georgia House Democratic Caucus has indeed achieved this majority, and this victory represents more than just a change in the numbers. It’s a testament to the power of unity, determination, political courage and an unwavering commitment to the people of Georgia.”

As of 5 p.m. on Wednesday, only six races were still undecided.

House Speaker Jon Burns, a Newington Republican, said the ballot counting wasn’t over yet. But he also indicated Republicans will carry on fighting for conservative priorities if they become a minority party.

“While a few key seats remain within the recount margin, we still have a strong, resilient, and committed caucus,” Burns said in a statement. “Our dedication to protecting Georgia’s conservative values has not — and will not — change. We will continue showing up for the job we were elected to do each and every day — defending our future, uplifting our neighbors, strengthening opportunity, and keeping Georgia the great state we all know and love.”

The apparent victory would give Democrats the ability to pass bills out of the chamber without Republican support, but that’s not all. Democrats will have the opportunity to elect a House speaker and to appoint members to House committees, giving them power over what bills even get a hearing.

“I can list for you 25 things that I’ve introduced that never got a hearing, and times are going to change,” Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, a Decatur Democrat who has served in the House since 2003, told reporters Wednesday.

Hugley, who has served since 1993, indicated that she will seek the speaker’s gavel. She would be both the first Black person and the first woman elected to that role.

“I’ve been a member of this body for 34 years,” Hugley said. “And I love the House, and I respect and honor its traditions, and I believe it’s important for us to make sure that everyone is treated with courtesy and respect.”

“I’ve served under every speaker since Tom Murphy,” she added, referring to the Democratic speaker who served for 28 years until 2002. “So I kinda know what speakers are supposed to do.”

Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Hugley said the Democratic majority will focus on affordability, but she declined to discuss specifics, saying she would hold space for governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms to have a say in the party’s priorities.

“Let’s not jump ahead of her agenda right now, but know that we will be working on all those things you heard us talk about in the campaign,” Hugley said.

House Democrats will have an ally in the governor’s mansion – Bottoms is set to become the first Democratic governor since 2003, but dealing with the Senate will be more complicated.

Democratic state Sen. Josh McLaurin is set to lead the Senate as the incoming lieutenant governor, but the chamber is expected to retain a slight Republican majority.

Here’s the latest on the races set to determine the shape of Georgia’s House of Representatives.

Confirmed Democratic gains

• Educator Cynthia Starke-Jones defeated Rep. Joseph Gullett of Dallas to represent House District 19
• Grant administrator Elisa Lassiter defeated Rep. Kimberly New of Villa Rica to represent House District 40
• Clinical therapist Danielle Bell defeated Rep. Don Parsons of Marietta to represent House District 44
• Attorney Adam Cleveland defeated Rep. Scott Hilton of Peachtree Corners to represent House District 48
• Former CDC public health professional Beth Fuller defeated Rep. Deborah Silcox of Sandy Springs to represent House District 53
• Truck driver Mishael White defeated Rep. Noelle Kahaian of Locust Grove to represent  House District 81
• Nonprofit CEO Michelle Kang defeated Rep. Matt Reeves of Duluth to represent House District 99
• Arbitrator and former state Rep. Farooq Mughal defeated Rep. Sandy Donatucci of Locust Grove to represent House District 105
• Retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Renita Duncan defeated Rep. Bethany Ballard of Warner Robins to represent House District 147
• Tradesman David Dillie defeated Rep. Bill Hitchens of Rincon to represent House District 161
• Attorney Stephanie Burgess defeated Rep. Ron Stephens of Savannah to represent House District 164

Confirmed Republican gains

• Small business owner Mack “Dutch” Guest IV defeated Rep. Eric Gisler of Watkinsville to represent House District 121

Still pending 

• Republican Rep. Jordan Ridley of Woodstock is leading Democrat James “JL” Shade, a corporate legal professional in House District 22
• Republican Rep. Matt Dubnik of Gainesville is trailing Democrat Scott Soracco, a retiree, in House District 29
• Republican state Rep. Soo Hong of Lawrenceville is trailing Democrat Chris Luchey, a sports agent, in House District 103
• Republican transportation company owner Trey Sheppard is leading Democratic certified public accountant Tyrone Evans in House District 128. The incumbent, Democratic Rep. Mack Jackson, did not seek re-election.
• Republican Rep. Mike Cheokas of Americus is headed to a runoff with Democrat Ethan Wolfe, a retired military officer, in House District 151 after neither candidate managed to secure a majority of the vote in a three-way contest with independent candidate Travis Lockhart.
• Republican state Rep. Gerald Greene of Cuthbert is trailing Democratic contractor Harry James in House District 154

Georgia Recorder Editor Jill Nolin contributed to this report.