Runoff election for Gwinnett House seat attracts few voters, so far

Democrat Akbar Ali won in a runoff special election Tuesday for a Gwinnett state House seat in the Georgia General Assembly.

Ali defeated Democrat Marqus Cole to represent House District 106, which covers portions of Lawrenceville and Snellville. He received 54% of the vote in a low-turnout election, according to unofficial results from the secretary of state’s office.

Credit: Courtesy photos

Credit: Courtesy photos

Ali will replace former state Rep. Shelly Hutchinson, who resigned this summer to care for a family member.

“I’m proud and ready to serve this community,” Akbar told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “There are a lot of issues that families and seniors are struggling with right now. I’m ready to tackle them on day 1. I won’t rest until they’re solved.”

Susan R. Powell, 63, said she voted for Ali because she was inspired by his youthful energy.

“I think so many levels of our government need youth and fresh ideas and different perspectives. I’m tired of old people running everything,” she said. “We need someone do to something different.”

ExploreCost of living tops concerns for candidates in Gwinnett County House race

Ali, a graphic designer, ran on promises to improve public education and school safety and to work to bring more affordable housing to the district.

“People are just being crushed under the weight of too high prices, mainly with health care, insurance and housing,” he told the AJC in an interview earlier this year.

Neither candidate got a majority of the vote in a three-candidate special election last month. Cole, a director at an energy and environmental nonprofit, got 39% of the vote, and Ali received 32%.

Ali was endorsed by endorsed by Hutchinson, former Gov. Roy Barnes, House Democratic Whip Sam Park and several state lawmakers and local elected officials.

David Hogg, the young gun control activist who briefly served as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, campaigned for Ali.

“Gwinnett County is lucky to have his fresh perspective, incredible enthusiasm, and focus on affordability. Akbar and his team have knocked on thousands of doors, listening to Georgians. We know Akbar will bring those hopes and concerns to the floor of the Georgia General Assembly and create lasting change,” Hogg said in a statement Tuesday.

Special elections, and particularly runoffs, can be hard to attract voters. In November, the candidates were boosted by statewide races for the Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities in Georgia.

But on a rainy, cold Tuesday, few residents braved the wet weather to vote. Just 1,741 voters, or just under 3% of the electorate, turned out.

By lunchtime, one election manager said her precinct had only seen four voters.