Defense attorney, democratic candidate unseats incumbent in solicitor general race

COLUMBUS, Ga. ( WRBL ) — A local defense attorney won the race for Muscogee County solicitor general, unseating the incumbent Republican candidate.

Democratic candidate Shevon Sutcliffe Thomas Sr. won the race by nearly 12,000 votes.

Thomas earned 44,670 votes on election day, amounting to roughly 57.6% of votes. Incumbent Republican candidate Suzanne Goddard earned 32,945 (42.5%) of votes.

Goddard was previously appointed to the position of solicitor general under former governor Nathan Deal.

Local psychologist on 2024 election-related stress and anxiety

As solicitor general, Thomas will work under the attorney general.

Friends and family joined Thomas for a watch party last night in Downtown Columbus.

"My brother came in from Miami. My baby sister, she came in from, flew in from New York," said Thomas. "So it's just a matter of just, you know, us kind of sticking together and just wait it out until the end."

Despite leading the race around 9:30 p.m., Thomas was careful not to assume a victory yet. Hours later, his win was official.

"That is probably one of the most rewarding things that any leader, you know – I – could have," Thomas said about the community support. "The fact that, you know, so many people in the community are supporting me."

PREVIOUS:

Countdown to Democracy: Race for Muscogee County Solicitor General