SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Georgia's senior congressman has won a decisive victory in what was considered the Deep South's only competitive U.S. House race.
Democratic Rep. Sanford Bishop was reelected to a 16th term Tuesday over Republican challenger Chris West.
Voters in southwest Georgia's 2nd District decided to keep 75-year-old Bishop amid persistent inflation and low approval of President Joe Biden.
West argued unsuccessfully it was time to retire the Democratic congressman.
Bishop insisted his seniority means more federal dollars go to his constituent farmers and military bases.
“Thirty years ago, I decided to leave my career as an attorney to pursue a full time ministry of public service as a member of Congress so that I could use the political process to improve the lives of people and communities. I worked hard to deliver for the people of Middle and Southwest Georgia in good times and in bad, through floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and the pandemic so that we could be resilient and move past those challenges. I believe I have given good account for my stewardship and the election today indicates that the voters confirmed that belief," Bishop said in a statement released Wednesday morning.
"Given the struggles that our people and communities have faced, we have made unprecedented investments that include the American Rescue Plan, the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Access to Baby Formula Act, the Lower Food & Fuel Costs Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act. We have more work to do, and I look forward to working in Congress to assure brighter days ahead for the people of Middle and Southwest Georgia, our nation, and humankind.”
Meanwhile, northwest Georgia voters reelected Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor.
And Republican Rich McCormick flipped metro Atlanta's 6th District that Democratic Rep. Lucy McBath vacated to run in a safer district.
