Democratic candidate Raphael Warnock won the state of Georgia on Tuesday.
He defeated former U.S. soccer superstar Herschel Walker, who received 49.1% of the vote to Warnock’s 50.8%, according to CNN’s 99% vote count.
The African-American reverend pastor was elected in 2020 by defeating candidate Kelly Loeffler, who was chosen by Republican Governor Brian Kemp to replace Senator Johnny Isakson who was forced to resign due to health problems.
With this victory, the church leader will have the opportunity to complete his first full 6-year term. He is the first African-American to represent the conservative state of Georgia, which has a long history of discrimination against blacks and other minority groups.
Only 53 years old, Dr. Raphael Warnock is seen within the Democratic Party as a serious contender for the White House if Joe Biden decides not to seek a second term in 2024.
Defying his political mentor Donald Trump’s principle of being a loser, Herschel Walker accepted his defeat and congratulated his opponent. He promises to continue “fighting for the people of Georgia.”
It is also Dr. Warnock’s promise to continue working for and with Georgians. He acknowledged, however, that his task will not be easy. The preacher also thanked the voters for placing their trust in him.
Raphael Warnock did not miss the opportunity to pay tribute to his parents. “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for my parents” who made huge sacrifices to provide him with an education in keeping with their values and principles.