Challenger Bruce Harkness has unseated incumbent Natalie Adams Crawford in the Republican runoff for Habersham County Commission District 4.
Harkness received 51.93% (3,597 votes) to Crawford’s 48.07% (3,330 votes).
Wednesday morning, Crawford issued a statement on social media.
“Friends, words fail in trying to express my gratitude for the honor of serving as your county commissioner these eight years,” Crawford’s statement reads. "To all who have supported me, encouraged me, cast your vote for me, thank you. For remembering me and lifting me in your prayers, I am humbled and grateful. Habersham is such a special place and I pray that those entrusted to lead us in the future will have the wisdom to preserve what we all love so much.”
Crawford wrote she is proud of what has been accomplished during her time on the commission and that she is at peace.
Harkness also issued a social media statement.
“Friends, I want to thank all of you for your support, votes, prayers and most of all for your love and friendship,’ Harkness’ statement reads. “I said from the beginning that it would be a close race because my opponent Natalie Crawford is a fine lady and I commend her for her eight years of hard work as commissioner for this county.
“I am humbled by your votes and your confidence,” Harkness’ statement reads. “Please pray for me and my family because I truly want God’s wisdom and direction as I take on this new service for the people. For those who supported my opponent, I humbly ask now for your support. Thank you all again and may God bless you and our great county and country.”
A total of 6,927 votes were cast in the race, including 2,644 Election Day ballots.
District 1 County Commission
In the Republican runoff for Habersham County Commission District 1, Christopher Bruce Palmer edged out Jeffery Todd Lunsford.
Palmer received 51.85% (3,339 votes) to Lunsford’s 48.15% (3,110 votes).
A total of 6,459 votes were cast in the race, including 2,447 Election Day ballots.
Voter turnout in Habersham County was 25.51%, with 7,124 of the county’s 27,925 voters casting ballots.
