Reps. Price and Teasley seek recounts of Georgia House elections

11/6/18 - Marietta - A steady steam of people vote at the Noonday Baptist Church in Marietta.   BOB ANDRES / BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Bob Andres

Credit: Bob Andres

11/6/18 - Marietta - A steady steam of people vote at the Noonday Baptist Church in Marietta. BOB ANDRES / BANDRES@AJC.COM

The two closest elections for the Georgia House of Representatives are heading for recounts.

State Reps. Sam Teasley and Betty Price, both Republicans, lost re-election by narrow margins, according to initial results. Georgia law gives losing candidates a right to a recount if their margin of defeat is less than 1 percentage point.

In all, Democrats gained 13 seats in the Georgia General Assembly as a result of this year's election.

Teasley, R-Marietta, trailed Democrat Mary Frances Williams by 173 votes.

“I was committed to running a positive campaign because I am convinced we need more civility in politics. My request for a recount is made with the same mindset,” said Teasley, who was first elected in 2010. “I am grateful to Mary Frances for her tone in this campaign.”

Price, R-Roswell, was behind Democrat Mary Robichaux by 150 votes. Fulton County Elections Director Richard Barron said Price is seeking a recount.

Price was elected to the House in a 2015 special election after state Rep. Harry Geisinger died.