In a historic election-year turnout, more Americans voted in this year’s election than in any other election in U.S. history. As of Monday morning, nearly 160 million registered voters exercised their civic responsibility to vote for the U.S. President down to local ballot measures. In Gwinnett County, over four hundred thousand votes were cast.

During this year’s election cycle, the Gwinnett Chamber focused on providing election and candidate information for voters through multiple mediums. In May and September, the chamber hosted virtual candidate forums for U.S. House of Representatives GA District 7, County Chair, County Commissioner Districts 1 & 3, and Gwinnett County Board of Education Districts 1, 3, & 5. Additionally, written questionnaires were distributed to all candidates for response. For candidates seeking office in the Georgia General Assembly, the chamber offered candidates a video spotlight feature. The Gwinnett Chamber believes in the importance of civic engagement and are committed to provide resources about voter information and candidates.

U.S. Congress
Georgia’s two Senate seats are headed into a runoff election in January as no candidate reached the 50% plus one threshold. In the U.S. House, Congressman Hank Johnson won Georgia’s 4th Congressional District and Congressman Jody Hice won the 10th Congressional District. Georgia’s 7th Congressional District will welcome a new representative in Carolyn Bourdeaux. All three congressional districts share a portion of Gwinnett County. The Gwinnett Chamber congratulates our elected officials in Congress.

Gwinnett County
Beginning next year, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners will welcome three new county commissioners, including a new chairman in Nicole Love Hendrickson. Kirkland Carden, former Duluth city councilman, and Jasper Watkins will assume their new role as Commissioner for District 1 and 3, respectively. In addition to the newly elected commissioners, Gwinnett welcomes a new District Attorney (Patsy Austin-Gatson), Sheriff (Keybo Taylor), and Tax Commissioner (Tiffany Porter).

Gwinnett School Board welcomes two new members in Karen Watkins and Dr. Tarece Johnson (District 1 & 5, respectively). District 3 welcomes back Dr. Mary Kay Murphy.

The Gwinnett Chamber congratulates the county’s newly elected officials and look forward together.

Georgia General Assembly
Gwinnett County is represented by 7 State Senators and 18 State Representatives. The Gwinnett Chamber congratulates the 19 elected officials returning to the Georgia Capitol and welcomes the 6 newly elected Senators and Representatives: Michelle Au, Clint Dixon, Kim Jackson, Marvin Lim, Nikki Merritt, and Rebecca Mitchell.

Gwinnett Education SPLOST & Gwinnett Transit Referendum
In August, the chamber board approved two resolutions in support of the Education SPLOST and the Transit Referendum. Support for education funding and a robust transit system are important for the economic growth in the county. World-class schools, less traffic congestion, and regional connectivity all attribute to Gwinnett’s success. While the Education SPLOST passed with overwhelming support, the county remained divided on transit, with the referendum failing by 1000 votes in a virtual tie. Although the chamber is disappointed in its outcome, we look forward to working with the county commission and cities to find the best solution for improved mobility throughout the county.

Election Results by Race

(Winners in BOLD)

2020 Voter Turnout

Gwinnett ballots cast: 416,458 (72%)

2018 Voter Turnout

Gwinnett ballots cast: 338,125 (64%)

2016 Voter Turnout

Gwinnett ballots cast: 332,149 (77%)