Georgia holds runoff elections in congressional, state races

Georgians returned to the polls in several races that required runoffs because no candidate won more than half the vote in the May 24 primaries.

Low turnout was likely. The Georgia secretary of state's office says about 20 percent of registered voters turned out for the primary two months ago.

Here's a look at the top Georgia runoffs Tuesday:

WEST GEORGIA CONGRESSIONAL SEAT

Republican voters chose former West Point Mayor Drew Ferguson as their nominee to replace retiring GOP Rep. Lynn Westmoreland in the 3rd Congressional District.

Ferguson won a GOP primary runoff election Tuesday against state Sen. Mike Crane.

Ferguson was supported by five of his former opponents from the May primary as well as Westmoreland, who called Ferguson "a strong, conservative voice." Crane ran on his reputation as one of the Senate's most socially conservative members and campaigned Friday with Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

Ferguson touted his support for law enforcement after Crane forcefully criticized so-called "no knock" warrants that can allow police to launch raids without announcing themselves. Some sheriffs and police organizations criticized Crane after he declared in February: "You come to my house, kick down my door, if I have an opportunity, I will shoot you dead."

The runoff winner will face Democrat Angela Pendley in November. The district strongly favors Republicans.

SHOWDOWN OVER BRAVES STADIUM

As the Atlanta Braves prepare to leave the city, voters in the team's new home of suburban Cobb County must decide whether the local official who engineered the stadium deal gets to keep his job.

Tim Lee, chairman of the Cobb County Commission, faced a runoff with retired Marine Corps officer Mike Boyce.

Lee finished second in the May primary behind Boyce, who criticized the secrecy of negotiations between Lee and the Braves. Boyce argued bonds shouldn't have been issued in the deal without first being approved by voters.

Lee defended the deal, saying the new SunTrust Park will boost the local economy and negotiations had to begin privately as most sensitive development projects do.

GEORGIA HOUSE CHALLENGES

Three incumbents in the Georgia House needed to overcome runoff challengers to keep their seats.

Rep. Tom Dickson, a Cohutta Republican, faced Chatsworth farmer Jason Ridley in a GOP campaign focused on education. No Democrats signed up to run for the seat.

Rep. John Yates, a Griffin Republican, was challenged by Griffin chiropractor Karen Mathiak. Yates, the last World War II veteran serving in the Legislature, has been in office for more than two decades. The victor faces Democrat Rahim Talley in November.

Democratic Rep. Darryl Jordan of Riverdale faced a runoff with Rhonda Burnough, a Riverdale school administrator, in a district representing parts of Clayton County. No Republican was running for the seat.

BLACK CAUCUS LEADER

After giving up her state House seat to run for the Senate, the leader of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus was trying to battle back from a second-place finish in the May primary.

Dee Dawkins-Haigler, a Lithonia minister, faced a runoff with fellow pastor Tonya Anderson of Lithonia. Anderson got the most votes in the primary, but fell short of the majority needed to avoid a runoff.

In the fall, the runoff winner will face GOP Sen. JaNice Van Ness of Conyers, who won a special election last year in the competitive district.