Warnock v. Walker Senate race too close to call, heading to December runoff

To: Joey Gill, nextar media wire

Post: November 9, 2022 / 3:26 PM CST

Has been updated: November 9, 2022 / 3:35pm CST

Atlanta, Georgia (WJBFMore) — The race between incumbent Senator Raphael Warnock (Democrat) and his Republican challenger Herschel Walker is too close to settle, heading for the runoff.

With 100% of the constituencies reporting, neither candidate had the necessary votes or surpassed to stop the election, hovering around 48% and 49% in the hours leading up to Wednesday morning. I was.

Neither Warnock nor Walker exceeded the 50% threshold because Georgia needs a majority to hold a statewide office, and a majority vote indicates a close race and a third-party candidate in the ballot. there was no chance of exceeding it.

Warnock finished with 49.41% (1,941,275 votes) and Walker finished with 48.52% (1,906,192 votes). Libertarian Chase Oliver received only 2.07% of the vote, or 81,173 votes.

At his election night watchman party, Walker addressed a crowd of supporters, saying, “I’m like Ricky Bobby. I won’t lose.” I met you, Georgia, and I am ready to serve you for another six years.”

A runoff vote is scheduled for December 6, 2022.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.