Politics

Abrams wins Dem nomination; Kemp, Cagle head to runoff

ATLANTA — The race for Georgia’s next governor has now been narrowed to three as Georgia made history, nominating its first black female nominee by a major party for the position.

If Stacey Abrams wins the election in November, she would become the first black female governor in the United States. 

Abrams became a clear front-runner for the Democrats early in the evening Tuesday, defeating Stacey Evans to become the party's nominee.

[CLICK HERE for LIVE real-time election results]

On the GOP side, candidates Casey Cagle and Brian Kemp will face a July runoff as they continue their push to become the Republican nominee for governor.

Below is a minute-by-minute look at how the evening unfolded:

MINUTE-BY-MINUTE: 

WATCH LIVE: Channel 2 Action News has special Team 2 Coverage of the 2018 Georgia Primary:

LIVE Channel 2 Action News coverage of the 2018 Georgia Primary

WATCH LIVE: Channel 2 Action News has special Team 2 Coverage of the 2018 Georgia Primary. (Minute-by-minute updates here: 2wsb.tv/2J2K0vQ)

Posted by WSB-TV on Tuesday, May 22, 2018

10:48 p.m.: Brian Kemp is speaking to his supporters as he gets ready to head into a runoff with Casey Cagle:

Brian Kemp thanking supporters after heading to runoff

HAPPENING NOW: Brian Kemp is addressing his supporters after finding out he will go to a runoff with Casey Cagle to win the GOP nominee for Georgia governor. (Minute-by-minute updates here: 2wsb.tv/2J2K0vQ)

Posted by WSB-TV on Tuesday, May 22, 2018

10:34 p.m.: Casey Cagle thanks his supporters as he heads into runoff with Brian Kemp:

Casey Cagle addressing supporters

HAPPENING NOW: Casey Cagle is addressing his supporters after finding out he and Brian Kemp will go to a runoff in the race to become the GOP nominee for Georgia governor. (Minute-by-minute updates here: 2wsb.tv/2J2K0vQ)

Posted by WSB-TV on Tuesday, May 22, 2018

10:27 p.m.: Carroll County passes Sunday package sales by less than 100 votes.

10:20 p.m.: Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and Secretary of State Brian Kemp face a July runoff for GOP nomination for Georgia governor.

9:58 p.m.: Stacey Abrams speaks to her supporters:

Stacey Abrams to address her supporters after winning Democratic nomination for Ga. governor

HAPPENING NOW: Stacey Abrams is about to address her supporters after winning Georgia's Democratic primary. She's seeking to become the first African-American woman governor. (LIVE real-time election results - 2wsb.tv/2rZQa69)

Posted by WSB-TV on Tuesday, May 22, 2018

9:43 p.m.: GOP sends out news release calling for Abrams to release her tax returns:

9:27 p.m.: If Stacey Abrams wins election, she would become first black female governor in U.S. history:

9:25 p.m.: AJC reporting that Stacey Evans has called Stacey Abrams to concede race:

9:11 p.m.:  House Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, appears to be surviving his GOP primary challenge by Margaret Williamson, 74 to 26 percent with 3,500 votes counted.

But state Rep. Matt Gurtler, R-Tiger, who was targeted by Ralston and even Gov. Nathan Deal, appears to be surviving the primary challenger they financed. Gurtler is leading Mickey Cummings, 58 to 42 percent.

9:04 p.m.: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams is claiming victory in primary:

8:57 p.m.: With about 6% of the vote in, Stacey Abrams, 69%, has a commanding lead over Stacey Evans, 31%, on the Democratic side of the governor's race.

Casey Cagle currently hold a large lead of 41% over his five competitors, with Brian Kemp being his closest rival, holding 27% of the vote.

8:40 p.m.: GOP gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp is addressing his supporters:

GOP Gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp speaks to supporters at election watch party. #ElectionOn2

Posted by Carl Willis on Tuesday, May 22, 2018

8:38 p.m.: GOP gubernatorial candidate Casey Cagle says he is in first place right now, and plans on staying there:

8:10 p.m.: Channel 2's Richard Elliot has an update from the Casey Cagle campaign headquarters.

Casey Cagle just arrived at his campaign watch party in Gainesville to thank his supporters.

Posted by Richard Elliot on Tuesday, May 22, 2018

7:54 p.m.: Channel 2's Sophia Choi says Hunter Hill is expected at his headquarters shortly:

7:51 p.m.: With 3 percent of the vote in, Brad Raffensperger leads David Belle Isle, 33 to 31 percent. Presumed favorite Josh McKoon is at 20 percent. Buzz Brockway at 16 percent.

7:38 p.m.: First results coming in for GOP side of governor's race:

7:27 p.m.: Very early results are starting to come in.

7 p.m.: Polls close across Georgia