Habersham County’s new state legislative delegation is homegrown. Cornelia attorney and businessman Bo Hatchett and Alto businessman and former county commission chair Victor Anderson both sailed to victory Tuesday against their Democratic rivals.
Hatchett soundly defeated Democratic challenger, Dee Daley of Rabun County, to become the next District 50 State Senator. Hatchett claimed nearly 84% of the vote. Unofficial vote totals for the eight-county district show Hatchett received 69,846 votes to Daley’s 13,576.
“It’s been a ride, I’ll tell you that much. And it’s been very rewarding,” Hatchett tells Now Habersham. “Tonight seeing the numbers come in, we’re excited that our hard work has paid off and we’re very grateful for all the voters that have turned out to support not only me, but all the Republicans on the ticket.”
Anderson defeated his Democratic opponent Nick Mitchell of White County to win the District 10 State House race. Anderson claimed 83% of the vote to Mitchell’s 16%. Unofficial vote totals from Habersham and White counties which make up the district show Anderson received 21,322 votes to Mitchell’s 4,092.
Anderson tells Now Habersham that he “feels very blessed and humbled” by the votes he has received. To those who voted for them, he thanks them and is humbled by their support. To those who didn’t, Anderson says that he is their representative-elect and that he is always available to listen to their concerns.
Election results must be certified by the Georgia Secretary of State before they are official.
Both Hatchett and Anderson will take office in January. Hatchett will succeed John Wilkinson of Toccoa in the State Senate. Anderson will succeed State Representative Terry Rogers. Wilkinson gave up his chance for reelection to run for Congress. Rogers chose not to seek reelection.
