Unopposed candidates quickly claim victory as precincts close

The email hit inboxes within minutes of polls closing in Georgia: Tyler Harper claiming victory in the Republican primary for state agriculture commissioner.

Harper was the only GOP candidate who qualified in the race, making his primary victory all but a foregone conclusion for weeks. He’s seeking to succeed Gary Black, a Republican who ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate nomination won by Herschel Walker.

There are also several incumbent U.S. House members who also did not have primary opponents and therefore secure their nominations easily tonight.

Republican U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter, Barry Loudermilk, Rick Allen and Austin Scott were all unopposed in the primary, and so was Democratic Rep. Hank Johnson.

All of these lawmakers will face opponents from the opposing party in the general election but are in seats considered safe for the incumbents.

I am honored to be the Republican Nominee for Agriculture Commissioner of the great state of Georgia! We’re ready to hit the ground running, win BIG in November, and deliver for our farmers, producers, and consumers all across the state! #gapol
— Tyler Harper (@TylerHarperGA) May 24, 2022