Republican Brad Raffensperger is claiming victory in the race to decide Georgia's next secretary of state. He faced Democrat John Barrow.
With 100 percent of precincts reporting, unofficial results showed Raffensperger with 52 percent of the votes; Barrow had 48 percent. The Associated Press projected Raffensperger the winner of the race earlier in the evening.
"Tonight's victory, it's all about the people and it's all about the Lord," he said. "Thank you very much."
"I'm very excited and humbled that I'm going to be your next secretary of state," he added.
Late Wednesday morning, Barrow released a statement, conceding the race.
"It now appears that the number of uncounted absentee ballots is still greater than the margin of difference but is so small that there is very little chance of their affecting the outcome. I have therefore extended my congratulations to Brad Raffensperger on his victory. He'll be our Secretary of State, and I wish him every success," Barrow's statement said in part.
"Though the outcome was not what we had wanted, what we're working for is more important than ever: elections that are as fair and as accurate as they are secure. In these polarized times that may seem like a never ending struggle, but it's a struggle that's always worth the fight."
In the general midterm election, Raffensperger received 49.13 percent of the vote, while Barrow received 48.64 percent.
Libertarian candidate Smythe Duval received 2.23 percent of the vote in that race, forcing the runoff. In Georgia, a candidate must receive more than 50 percent to be declared winner.
The state's previous secretary of state, Brian Kemp, defeated Stacey Abrams to become Georgia's next governor.
Get more information on the other runoff races here.
