Businessman and political outsider Jason Dickerson (R) has won an open Georgia state Senate seat on Tuesday to fill the remainder of state Sen. Brandon Beach’s (R) term after Beach was chosen by President Trump to become U.S. treasurer, according to Decision Desk HQ.
Dickerson beat attorney and businesswoman Debra Shigley (D) to represent Georgia state Senate District 21, which includes parts of Fulton and Cherokee counties. Beach had previously represented the area but resigned from the state Senate after he was tapped to be U.S. treasurer.
During the August general election, Shigley placed first at close to 40 percent support, while Dickerson received more than 17 percent amid a crowded GOP primary of five other candidates.
The two were forced into a runoff since a candidate didn’t outright win at least half the vote.
While the seat was likely to stay within Republican hands — Beach won his last election with 70 percent of the vote — Democrats had hoped to make it competitive during a year where the party has largely overperformed in state legislative and congressional special elections.
Even the national party got involved, with Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin canvassing for Shigley over the weekend in Alpharetta.
That didn’t stop Democrats from rallying around Shigley despite her loss.
“State Democrats like Deb Shigley are advocating for their communities, and they’re earning a big boost in voter support, even in long-held GOP seats, because of it,” Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) President Heather Williams said a statement.
“The DLCC will continue supporting Democrats running strong campaigns in tough territory across the country.”
