Gov. Nathan Deal endorses Karen Handel
ALPHARETTA, Ga. - Georgia Governor Nathan Deal endorsed 6th Congressional District candidate Karen Handel on Thursday. Handel is the Republican candidate in the June 20 runoff with Democrat Jon Ossoff.
“I'm supporting Karen Handel because she is a strong conservative who will represent the best interests of those in the 6th Congressional District,” said Governor Deal. “She will be a steadfast and unwavering champion for Georgia's priorities in Washington. Republicans will need all hands on deck to defeat Jon Ossoff on June 20th and I look forward to being a part of the effort.”
MORE: Jon Ossoff, Karen Handel to meet in runoff for 6th District U.S. House seat
The Associated Press called the special election race shortly before 1 a.m. Wednesday. Ossoff fell just short of the 50% mark he needed to win the seat outright, before heading to a runoff.
Handel, a former Fulton Co. Commission chair, was the top Republican vote-getter, emerged from a group of GOP candidates who directed some campaign attack ads at one another.
“I am humbled by Governor Deal’s endorsement of my campaign. His support will be critically important and should be looked at as a road map as we unify our party, bringing together Republicans and conservatives to stand against Democrats on June 20th."
The runoff is sure to draw national attention over the next couple of months. Millions of dollars poured into the campaign before Tuesday's vote, and more is sure to be spent on the runoff.