Georgia runoff decides state legislative seats

Republican and Democratic candidates win key state Senate and House races

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:03am

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A photorealistic painting of a state capitol building in warm, golden light, with deep shadows casting dramatic angles across the facade, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation about the political process.The Georgia state capitol stands as a symbol of the state's political power, its stately presence reflecting the high-stakes battles unfolding within its halls.Atlanta Today

Runoff elections for three Georgia legislative seats were decided on April 7, with Republican Lanny Thomas winning the state Senate District 53 race and Democrats Venola Mason and Sheila Clark Nelson winning the state House District 94 and 130 races, respectively.

Why it matters

These runoff results will shape the partisan balance of power in the Georgia state legislature, with implications for policy priorities and the political landscape heading into the 2028 election cycle.

The details

In the Senate District 53 race, Republican Lanny Thomas, a former mayor of Trion, defeated Democrat Jack Zibluk with nearly 69% of the vote. Senate District 53 covers Catoosa, Chattooga, Dade and Walker counties, as well as part of Floyd County. In the House District 94 race, Democrat Venola Mason won, while in House District 130, Democrat Sheila Clark Nelson emerged victorious.

  • The runoff elections were held on April 7, 2026.

The players

Lanny Thomas

A Republican who won the state Senate District 53 race.

Jack Zibluk

A Democrat who lost the state Senate District 53 race to Lanny Thomas.

Venola Mason

A Democrat who won the state House District 94 race.

Sheila Clark Nelson

A Democrat who won the state House District 130 race.

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What’s next

The newly elected state legislators will be sworn in and begin their terms in the Georgia General Assembly.

The takeaway

These runoff results will shift the partisan balance in the Georgia legislature, potentially impacting policy priorities and the political landscape leading up to the 2028 elections.