McLeod asks for recount in 12th District primary

A recount is under way in the Republican primary race to face U.S. Rep. John Barrow.

Augusta attorney Wright McLeod requested a recount after he finished third behind state Rep. Lee Anderson of Grovetown and Augusta businessman Rick Allen. McLeod was within 1 percent of Allen -- 584 votes behind — meaning he could ask for a recount.

A spokesman for the Georgia Secretary of State's office said the recount should be completed by noon Thursday.

Allen and McLeod sparred over several issues during the primary campaign, including irregularities in McLeod's campaign finance reports that led to a Federal Election Commission complaint from Allen's campaign.

The runoff vote is Aug. 21. The winner faces Barrow, a four-term Democrat whose district was redrawn last year to lean Republican.

About the Author

Daniel Malloy

Report: Election board member violated conduct code by going to Trump rally

A Georgia Inspector General's report found State Election Board Vice Chair Janice Johnston violated the board's code of conduct by attending a Donald Trump campaign rally.

Georgia investigators ramp up probe into First Liberty collapse

Witnesses are being called in Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger's civil inquiry into the collapse of First Liberty Building & Loan.

OPINION

Red flags piling up for Georgia Republicans heading into 2026 midterms

The warnings are mounting for Georgia Republicans about the danger they'll face in the 2026 midterm elections if the party does not change course.

The Latest

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

Report: Election board member violated conduct code by going to Trump rally

OPINION

Red flags piling up for Georgia Republicans heading into 2026 midterms

Warnock urges Congress to do more to combat America’s affordability crisis

Featured

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

DeKalb students raise fears about ICE raids; teachers told not to talk about it

The Sequoyah Middle School community asked DeKalb school officials to better support students who fear ICE.

Two-day effort helps free endangered right whale off Georgia coast

Georgia state officials helped disentangle a North American right whale, one of the most endangered whales on the planet.

Report: Election board member violated conduct code by going to Trump rally

A Georgia Inspector General's report found State Election Board Vice Chair Janice Johnston violated the board's code of conduct by attending a Donald Trump campaign rally.