Three Local Incumbents Re-Elected

Three incumbents defeated challengers in local races of interest to Duluth in Tuesday’s General Election.

Incumbent District 96 State Rep. Pedro “Pete” Marin, D-Duluth, Georgia’s highest ranking Latino Democrat, won re-election to a sixth term. Marin received 6,773 votes (55 percent) compared to 5,524 votes (45 percent) received by Republican Mark Williams of Duluth.

Marin supporters gathered at his campaign headquarters in Norcross Tuesday night to watch election returns. Williams, his family and friends awaited election results at Augusta’s Restaurant at the Georgia Trail golf facility in Duluth.

Marin has more than 25 years executive experience in both the private and non-profit sector. He serves on the Banks and Banking Committee, the Industrial Relations Committee and the Economic Development and Tourism Committee.

“It’s truly been an honor to serve,” said Marin after reviewing final results in the race. “I feel the same way being re-elected 10 years later. The people of District 96 have spoken. They like me and what I’m doing for job creation, education and empowerment.” He thanked God, his family, campaign staff, volunteers, and fellow Democrats for their support.

Williams is an owner of Printing Trade Company, a Norcross-based company started by his family more than 40 years ago. He is a past chairman of the Gwinnett Place Community Improvement District and former president of the Cardinal Lake Estates Homeowners Association.

“I appreciate everyone’s support,” a disappointed Williams told his followers. “We have nothing to hold our heads down about. We fought hard. It was a tough district to win.”

Incumbent Republican District III Gwinnett Board of Education member Dr. Mary Kay Murphy was re-elected with 36,526 votes (61 percent). Democrat Jen Falk of Berkeley Lake, a founder of Ivy Preparatory Academy, received 23,618 votes (39 percent). Murphy, a Peachtree Corners resident, has served 16 years on the school board.

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall, R-Lawrenceville, whose 10th District includes Duluth, was re-elected to a second term with 156,484 votes (62 percent). His opponent Democrat Steve Reilly, a Lawrenceville attorney and Peachtree Corners resident, garnered 95,056 votes (38 percent).

(Results based on latest figures available from the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office.)