Coastal Georgia voters in Bryan and Chatham counties flipped a key state House of Representatives seat from Republican to Democrat on Tuesday for the first time in 18 years, amid a wave of anger about higher prices and an anti-establishment mood among local voters.
The win for Stephanie Burgess, a trial lawyer and Savannah State University graduate, over incumbent Ron Stephens, a 72-year-old pharmacist from Richmond Hill who served in the state House for nearly three decades, comes amid a wider wave of Democratic wins in the state. Unofficial voting totals show Burgess winning approximately 52% to 48%.
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“I really think I won because people are tired, and I think that the issues went across class, race lines, all of that,” Burgess told The Current GA. “People were ready for change, and they were ready to gamble for change. Because they had the same old thing for 29 years.”
Burgess appeared to have had a strong lead ahead of Election Day, with early vote totals suggesting that 47% of early voters leaned Democrat.
Voters who went to the polls Tuesday offered a mix of issues important to them, but several cited costs of living — especially gasoline — as motivating their choice for change at the polls.
“I’m concerned about how things are going in the current administration, and trying to gain a little bit of Democrat power, I think, would do some good right now,” said Josh Stutz, 30, who voted in Richmond Hill.
Stephens, who spent Tuesday evening at an election watch party for U.S. Congressional candidate Jim Kingston, explained his loss due to the rapidly growing populations of Pooler and Richmond Hill, people whom he described as not sharing his traditional conservative values.
“Whenever you grow that fast it’s a good news-bad news thing. Those folks that move here from California and New York don’t think conservatively like we do in the South,” Stephens said.
Total turnout across the state was 54.8%, according to unofficial totals. That compares with 51.9% turnout in the 2022 midterm general election.
Burgess told The Current that voters responded to her experience and relationships in the community. “I’m everyday people wrapped into one. I’ve worn a badge, mentored inner-city youth, taught college, practiced law, owned a business, and been a caregiver. I’m also a proud rescue-pet mom,” she said. “I know the struggles, the system, and how to fight for change with integrity and tenacity.”
