Kelly Loeffler, Raphael Warnock heading to runoff for U.S. Senate seat

ATLANTA — Congressman Doug Collins tweeted his concession in the U.S. Senate race late Tuesday night, sending incumbent Sen. Kelly Loeffler and Democrat Raphael Warnock into a runoff.

“I just called Kelly Loeffler and congratulated her on making the runoff,” Collins tweeted. “She has my support and endorsement.”

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The incumbent Senator faced a strong challenge from fellow Republican Doug Collins and Democrats Raphael Warnock, Deborah Jackson and Matt Lieberman.

Early Wednesday numbers showed Warnock slightly ahead of Loeffler with Collins trailing by about six percentage points. About 75 percent of the vote had been counted in Georgia.

“No one is going to outwork me in fighting for our country and standing besides President Trump,” Loeffler said. “I am very proud of what we’ve done. We’ve stood strong for conservative values."

“Thank you Georgia for pushing me one step closer to the Senate because when I go there, you will go with me,” Warnock said. “Your concerns will go with me. Your issues will go with me. But I need you to keep it up for sixty two more days.”

Recent polling showed Warnock with a strong lead in the race and Loeffler and Collins in a battle for second. The pair have battled it out since Gov. Brian Kemp selected Loeffler instead of Collins for the seat once occupied by Johnny Isakson. Isakson stepped down at the end of 2019.

The balance of power in the U.S senate hangs on the results of two races in Georgia and its very possible the Senate is deadlocked 49-49 after the general election and both Georgia senate seats could decide which party holds power. A runoff would take place on Jan. 5, 2021.

RAW VIDEO: Senate candidate Raphael Warnock speaks on Election Night

RAW VIDEO: Sen. Kelly Loeffler speaks on Election Night