(Clockwise, from top left) Justice Andrew Pinson and Judges Scott McAfee, Rachel Krause, Robert Mack, James Edward Barker Ana Maria Martinez, Carl W. Bowers, and Julie Adams Jacobs. (Courtesy photos)

Of at least 57 contested judicial races included in the May 21 nonpartisan primary election, about 63% of the outcomes favored incumbent jurists statewide. As five incumbent judges prepare for runoff elections against challengers on June 18, 31 others can continue conducting business as normal after successfully retaining their seats on the bench during the primary election. |

Appellate Races

Justice Andrew A. Pinson (left) Supreme Court of Georgia, John Barrow, former U.S. representative for Georgia's 12th congressional district. (Courtesy photos)

In the Supreme Court of Georgia race that pitted appointed incumbent Justice Andrew Pinson against former U.S. Rep. John Barrow, 55% of Georgia voters opted to retain Pinson. Barrow's defeat follows a widely publicized campaign season centered around the constitutional rights of judicial candidates. After Barrow challenged the constitutionality of scrutiny imposed on his decision to campaign on the topic of abortion of reproductive rights, Gov. Brian Kemp publicly pledged more than $500,000 from his political committee in support of Pinson's campaign. Aiming to refrain from politicizing the nonpartsian judicial race, Pinson did not comment on abortion and reproductive rights issues throughout his retention campaign. Following the victory, Pinson took to social media to express gratitude for his supporters. "We did it," Pinson posted to Facebook midday Wednesday. "I'm humbled and grateful that Georgians have put their trust in me to continue to serve our great State for six more years on the Supreme Court of Georgia. I will continue to work hard to do this job the right way: approaching each case with an open mind, upholding the rule of law, and treating every person who comes to our Court with equal dignity and respect. The people of Georgia deserve no less."  

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Winners and Losers: Meet the Judges Elected in Georgia's 2024 Nonpartisan Primary

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Superior Court Races

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Fulton County

L-R: Judge Scott McAfee of Fulton County Superior Court, Robert Hilliard Patillo and Tiffani Johnson. (Courtesy photos)

In the Atlanta Judicial Circuit race that initially pit appointed incumbent Judge Scott McAfee against a pair of challengers, Atlanta attorney Robert Hilliard Patillo received 16.97% of votes cast. With former Fulton County Solicitor General Tiffani Johnson disqualified from the race, McAfee secured the remaining 83.03% of Fulton County votes to retain his seat on the superior court bench. As of midday Wednesday, neither the successful incumbent nor his defeated challenger had made a public statement about the outcome of the judicial race. Meanwhile, disqualified candidate Johnson posted a message to Facebook expressing gratitude earlier that morning. "Every year on my birthday, I reflect on the previous year and how far I've come to date. I am immensely thankful this year. I have so much to celebrate," Johnson's Facebook post read. "I am especially thankful for community. Thank you everyone for your love and support."

Judge Rachel Krause (left) of Fulton County Superior Court and attorney Brandi Reeves. (Courtesy photos)

Like McAfee, fellow incumbent Judge Rachel K. Krause retained her contested seat on the superior court bench Tuesday. After racking up 60.54% of the county vote to defeat Atlanta attorney challenger Brandi S. Reeves at the polls, Krause shared her thoughts via social media Wednesday morning. "Thank you so much to all the voters who believed in me and the work I have been doing as a judge," Krause posted to Facebook. "Your support is truly appreciated!" |

Clayton County

Robert Mack (left) and Judge Deitra Burney-Butler of Clayton County Juvenile Court. (Courtesy photos)

In the judicial contest that pit Clayton Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Robert Lee Mack Jr. against former Chief Judge Deitra Burney-Butler, 55.78% of county voters opted to retain Mack. Mack's retention follows his controversial rescission of Burney-Butler's reappointment to the Clayton County Juvenile Court in July 2023. Following her defeat, Burney-Butler took to social media. "Thank you to all of my supporters and all of those who encouraged me along this journey," Burney-Butler posted to Facebook Wednesday morning. "It has been a learning experience. Stay tuned, this doesn't end here." |

Cobb County

Julie Adams Jacobs (left) of State of Georgia Law Department and Sylvia Goldman. (Photos: ALM and Courtesy)

Appointed incumbent Judge Julie Adams Jacobs is on track to serve her first full term on the Cobb County Superior Court bench after securing 68.15% of the county vote Tuesday. Jacobs defeated challenger Sylvia Goldman, a Marietta DUI defense attorney with Goldman & Donnelly. As of midday Wednesday, neither Jacobs nor Goldman had issued a public statement about the outcome of the contested judicial race.  

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Meet the 3 Challengers Who Unseated Georgia Judges on May 21

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State Courts

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Cobb County

(l-r) Judge Carl W. Bowers with Cobb County State Court, Crystal Stevens McElrath, an attorney with Southern Poverty Law Center and attorney Matt McMaster of Marietta, Georgia. (Courtesy photos)

In the judicial race for Cobb County State Court, incumbent Judge Carl W. Bowers attracted a pair of challengers—attorneys Crystal Stevens McElrath and Matt McMaster. But after receiving 56.76% of the county vote Tuesday, Bowers will retain his seat on the state court bench for another four-year term. Opting to acknowledge defeat via social media Wednesday morning, McMaster began his remarks by congratulating Bowers. "There were many other Cobb County judges who should have been challenged—though they were not. However, this year's election was not about any one judge. It was about flawed philosophies, misaligned incentives and the depraved culture of the Cobb County legal community that desperately needs an overhaul," McMaster's Facebook post read. "[Judge Bowers, y]ou carried that burden for your fellow judicial officers this election, and I hope that you move forward with the right kind of leadership presently lacking in our courthouse." McMaster went on to mention one of Bowers' campaign ads that the defeated challenger said he'd "liked, wholeheartedly." "[Y]ou state: UPHOLDING the Rule of Law, NEVER LEGISTLATING from The Bench, KEEPING POLITICS OUT of the Courtroom," McMaster wrote. "Those kinds of promises to The People of Cobb County are much needed. And for The People, my promise is to hold ALL judges in Cobb County to your standard." Meanwhile, McElrath's subsequent Facebook post focused on thanking her supporters. "Even though we didn't make it over the finish line in the results last night, we are incredibly proud of the effort we put into it," McElrath posted Wednesday afternoon. "We appreciate the support and faith that each and every voter, donor, and volunteer has shown in this campaign. You are very much loved and valued. We have formed solid alliances over the past few months and have made some incredible new neighbors, friends and community members who will always be a part of #TeamCrystal! It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with our beloved community of Cobb County!" |

DeKalb County

Judge Ana Maria Martinez (left) of DeKalb County State Court and DeKalb County Senior Assistant District Attorney Tyshawn Jackson. (Courtesy photos)

In DeKalb County, appointed incumbent Division A-3 State Court Judge Ana Maria Martinez will continue to serve the state court bench. On May 21, Martinez garnered 58.32% of county votes cast to defeat challenger, DeKalb County Senior Assistant District Attorney Tyshawn Yvonne Jackson. Late Tuesday night, Martinez took to social media to thank her supporters. "So very thankful for the amazing human beings that were always by my side," Martinez posted to Facebook. "First Latina trial court judge ever elected in the state of Georgia. Here's to breaking ceilings and paving the way. Here's to justice and integrity and efficiency. Here's to 4 more years!" |

Douglas County

Judge James Edward "Eddie" Barker left) and Douglasville attorney Corey Bernard Martin. (Courtesy photos)

After 14 years of service to the Douglas County State Court bench, Judge James Edward "Eddie" Barker is now set to serve another four-year term. Barker secured 63.36% of the county vote Tuesday to defeat attorney challenger Corey B. Martin of the Law Offices of Martin & Associates in Douglasville. Hours after polls closed Tuesday, Barker took to social media to thank his supporters. "What an amazing evening. I am so humbled by the support I received from everyone. Hard work does pay off and it is gratifying to know citizens of this county acknowledged the job I have done serving these last 14 years," Barker posted to Facebook. "I look forward to making these next 4 years even better. Thanks to Judge Brian Fortner for his help, my family for their support and my sister for an awesome job with my social media and providing very useful advice and perspective! I owe my wife a vacation! Thanks to everyone!" |

Gwinnett County

Judge Shawn Bratton (left) of Gwinnett County State Court and Fulton County Deputy District Attorney Ramona Toole Sakhanokho. (Courtesy photos)

Following a decade of service to the Gwinnett County State Court bench, voters greenlighted Division 2 Judge Shawn F. Bratton to serve another four-year term. On Tuesday, Bratton racked up 72.9% of the county vote to defeat challenger, Fulton County Deputy District Attorney Ramona Toole of Lilburn. Wednesday morning, Bratton took to social media to express gratitude to his supporters. "Thank you Gwinnett County for entrusting me with another four-year term as your State Court Judge! It is truly an honor to have enjoyed so much support over the last several months," Bratton posted to LinkedIn. "Together we will keep Gwinnett County a shining example of what can be done when people truly come together. From my family to yours, thank you!" Toole Sakhanokho also took LinkedIn to both acknowledge her defeat and thank her supporters. "I want to THANK EVERYONE for all the love, prayers, support, 'likes,' donations and votes that I received during this election. It kept me motivated during this process. Although it did not go the way I had hoped, I must say that I didn't do too bad as a first-timer. I definitely learned a lot and that will come in handy the next time," the defeated challenger posted. "I also want to give a special THANKS to my family especially my Mom, the Original Tooleshed, all of my volunteers and Keturah McGee Lewis for their unwavering support. I really appreciate everyone's belief in me and my eighth grade dream. Finally, I sincerely wish my opponent the best as he continues to serve Gwinnett County." |

Henry County

Judge Stephen N. Knights Jr. (left) of Henry County Magistrate Court and Loletha D. Hale of Hale Law Firm in Jonesboro, Georgia. (Courtesy photos)

In Henry County, appointed incumbent Judge Stephen N. Knights Jr. is now set to serve his first four-year term after receiving 100% of the vote Tuesday. Knights had been set to faceoff against Jonesboro attorney Loletha Hale at the polls, but the discovery of insufficient qualifying funds led the Henry County Board of Elections and Voter Registrations to disqualify Hale from the race shortly after candidate qualifying ended. Midday Wednesday, Knights took a moment to thank his supporters on social media. "Thank you, citizens of Henry County, for your support and vote of confidence. I will continue to uphold the scales of justice with honor and dedication. I look forward to continuing to serve with fairness and impartiality, securing the rights of all, and serving with compassion, humility, and humanity," Knights posted to Facebook. "My courtroom remains open and accessible. Everyone is treated with respect. You can expect me to follow the law, be prepared, and be punctual. You can be confident in my unwavering dedication to our community. I am honored and grateful to serve. Thank you," Knights posted to # Wednesday."

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Who's Running for Judge in Georgia? May 21, 2024, Election Races

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Probate and Magistrate Courts

Probate and magistrate court incumbent judges make up the bulk of the successful May 21 nonpartisan primary election retention campaigns. The following 20 incumbents will remain on their respective benches: |

• Appling County Probate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Judge Gretchen Bailey (70%)
  • Challenger: Educator Ryan Taylor (30%)

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• Chatham County Probate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Judge Thomas Curry Bordeaux (68%)
  • Challenger: Savannah attorney Burt Anthony Burton (32%)

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• Cobb County Probate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Judge Kelli L. Wolk
  • Challenger: Assistant Solicitor General Rebecca Keaton

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• Fanin County Probate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Judge Robbman Scott Kiker (61%)
  • Challenger: Blue Ridge attorney Manda Carol Gwatney (39%)

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• Irwin County Probate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Judge Ronnie McCurdy (83.5%)
  • Challenger: LaRounda Thomas (16.4%)

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• Long County Probate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Judge Teresa Lynn Odum (56%)
  • Challenger: Robert Harrison Smith III (44%)

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• Meriwhether County Probate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Judge John D. Rasnick (73%)
  • Challenger: Kenyatta Nichelle Bell (27%)

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• McIntosh County Probate/Magistrate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Judge Harold A. Webster III (61%)
  • Challenger: Pastor Nathaniel Hicks Jr. (39%)

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• Screven County Probate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Judge Debbie Colleen Brown (82.4%)
  • Challenger: Heather Smith (17.6%)

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• Chatham County Magistrate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Chief Magistrate Mary Kathryn Moss (70%)
  • Challenger: Savannah attorney Van'nessa A'vion Bailey (30%)

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• Franklin County Magistrate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Chief Magistrate Judge Cody Wayne Grizzle (66.6%)
  • Challenger: Bo Cornwell (20.6%)
  • Challenger: Crystal Buffington Nelms (12.7%)

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• Haralson County Magistrate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Chief Magistrate Jason Blackmon (66%)
  • Challenger: Retired Bremen Police Lt. Blane Cochran (34%)

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• Hart County Magistrate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Chief Magistrate Thomas J. Jordan (63.3%)
  • Challenger: Hart County Sheriff Deputy Wayne "Chilidawg" Hinson (36.7%)

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• Heard County Magistrate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Chief Magistrate Brenda Jennings (71.7%)
  • Challenger: Heard County Prosecuting Attorney Leopold Frederick "Fritz" Joh (28.3%)

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• Liberty County Magistrate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Chief Magistrate Michael J. McGirt (68%)
  • Challenger: Malcolm X. Williams (32%)

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• Morgan County Magistrate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Chief Magistrate Connie Jay Holt (65.3%)
  • Challenger: Madison attorney Tiffany Jones Ellenberg (34.7%)

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• Pickens County Magistrate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Chief Magistrate Larry Alan Morris (81.8%)
  • Challenger: Pickens County Court Administrative Manager Connie Lynn Hughes (18.2%)

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• Twiggs County Magistrate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Chief Magistrate David L. Brown (81.2%)
  • Challenger: Twiggs County Deputy Sheriff Kevin Wrye (18.7%)

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• Whitfield County Magistrate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Chief Magistrate Chris Griffin (75.7%)
  • Challenger: Julia Nguyen-Goulart (24.3%)

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• Worth County Magistrate Court |
  • WINNER – Incumbent: Chief Magistrate Casey Rouse (64.3%)
  • Challenger: David Black (35.7%)

Click through the slideshow to view the successful incumbent and their defeated challenger. |

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Keep up with full coverage of the Georgia judicial races decided by voters on May 21, here.