North Gwinnett News

Georgia's voter turnout surpassed the 2020 figures in a historic election, with over 5.2 million votes cast. The focus was primarily on the Presidential race, but Georgians also made significant decisions in local races and ballot measures.

The Republican Party maintained control of the Georgia General Assembly. With House Minority Leader James Beverly (HD 143) and Senate Minority Leader Gloria Butler (SD 55) retiring, Democrats will select new leaders next year.

In Gwinnett County, several House and Senate seats were closely monitored. State Sen. Shawn Still and State Reps Scott Hilton, Matt Reeves, and Jasmine Clark retained their positions. However, incumbent Farooq Mughal seems to have been defeated by Republican challenger Sandy Donatucci. Democrat incumbents secured re-election comfortably in Gwinnett County.

Voters in the proposed City of Mulberry in northeast Gwinnett voted for City Council Members after approving a cityhood referendum during the May primaries. Of the five city council races, only district 5 will proceed to a runoff on December 3 between Doug Ingram and Michele Y. Sims.

There were two constitutional amendments and a statewide referendum on the ballot, all of which passed. Amendment 1 would cap homestead value increases to inflation rates from the previous year unless local governments opt out by passing a resolution and holding two public hearings by March 2025. Amendment 2 aims to streamline tax litigation appeals processes. The statewide referendum raises property tax exemptions on tangible personal property from $7,500 to $20,000.

Gwinnett voters rejected the Transit SPLOST referendum, which proposed a one percent sales tax for up to 75 transit expansion projects throughout the county.

Starting next year, Gwinnett will have four U.S. House Representatives: Hank Johnson (GA 04), Andrew Clyde (GA 09), Mike Collins (GA 10), and David Scott (GA 13). Congresswoman Lucy McBath won her election for District 6 after representing Georgia’s 7th District. Congressman Rich McCormick won his election for District 7 after representing Georgia’s 6th District.

For detailed results of Gwinnett races in the election, visit https://gwinnettchamber.org/2024-elections/. For full results across Georgia, click here.