Kwanza Hall wins runoff for final month of John Lewis’ term

Former Atlanta City Councilman Kwanza Hall gets to walk in the shoes of his mentor. He won Tuesday’s runoff and is now eligible to complete the final month of Congressman John Lewis’ term in Washington.

The Associated Press called the race for Hall shortly after midnight. He defeated former Morehouse College President Robert Franklin in the 5th Congressional District runoff.

Once the state certifies the election, Hall will be eligible to be sworn into Congress and participate in any voting in Washington. His term will end Jan. 3 when Nikema Williams will take over the seat. Williams was selected to replace Lewis on the general ballot and will serve a full two-year term.

Hall considered this special election bid an opportunity to fill the shoes of Lewis, a civil rights icon. He is a close friend of the Lewis family, growing up in the same neighborhood as their home and receiving the endorsement of Lewis’ son, John-Miles.

“Thank you! I am humbled, truly humbled to earn this privilege,” Hall wrote on Twitter early Wednesday morning.

Hall and Franklin advanced to the runoff after finishing in first and second place in the Sept. 29 special election. There were seven candidates in that race, and nobody won a majority of the votes. Williams did not compete in that contest.

That led to some confusion during the runoff, with some voters mistakenly believing a vote for Hall or Franklin would allow one of the men to challenge Williams for the seat.

Both candidates tried to educate voters that this special election was separate and would determine who filled the seat briefly before Williams takes office.

Hall will be eligible for a prorated congressional salary during his term and will have the benefit of Lewis’ office and his staff, who have stayed on since his July death.

Because his tenure will be so brief, Hall will not be eligible for retirement or other benefits. He will have lifetime access to the House floor and its facilities, including the gym.