KEMP RE-ELECTED: GOP gov defeats Abrams in rematch

Abrams calls Kemp to concede

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, has been re-elected to another four-year term in office, according to projections.

Kemp defeats Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams in what was a rematch from their 2018 race, when Kemp narrowly prevailed over Abrams in a competitive open race. Abrams called Kemp to concede on Tuesday night.

Amid national frustration over the economy and rising inflation, Gov. Kemp campaigned heavily on protecting Georgians from President Joe Biden’s “disastrous” economic agenda.

Kemp has suspended the state gas tax for most of the year and has sent out tax rebates. He has said that he will issue another round of rebates in the 2023 legislative session.

Abrams tried warning voters that Kemp was too extreme, highlighting his refusal to expand Medicaid and his support of abortion bans and “voter suppression” bills.

Kemp’s win only solidifies Georgia’s status as a battleground state. The Peach State delivered the White House and control of Congress to Democrats just two years ago, but voters opted to continue with Republican leadership at the state level.

The U.S. Senate race remains too close to call as of Tuesday night.