Shafer Declines Recount, Concedes Race To Duncan

The primary season is now officially over. David Shafer, in an email to supporters, has indicated he will not seek the recount he is legally entitled to, and says “it is time to unite behind our Republican nominees.”

His full email is as follows:

The Good Lord has a plan for each one of us. With the counting of the provisional ballots complete, it is clear that His plan for me does not include being Lieutenant Governor of Georgia.

We came very close, with 49.9% of the vote. I am entitled to an automatic recount because the margin is so narrow, but I have no plans to ask for one. First, I do not believe that retabulating the electronic voting machines will change the outcome. Second, with the general election less than 14 weeks away, it is time to unify behind our Republican nominees.

I am grateful to everyone who helped me in this campaign – those who endorsed me, donated their time and treasure, encouraged and prayed for me. It has been an amazing and humbling experience that I will never forget.

My heart hurts for all those who worked so hard on my behalf. I am sorry that we were not victorious. But please do not hurt for me. My life is richly blessed and I am at peace with the outcome of this election. God has a plan for me and it did not end on the day of the Republican Primary Runoff.

I have spent my entire adult life helping build our Republican Party and that work will continue. I have spoken to Brian Kemp and offered my support to him and the Republican ticket. As I have done in every election since I have been old enough to vote, I will be working hard for a Republican victory up and down the ballot.

As always, I hope you will feel free to call on me if I can be of help to you. I am reachable at the State Capitol through the end of this year.

Thank you again and all my best,

David Shafer

Updated: Geoff Duncan has tweeted the following statement:

Thank you @DavidShafer for your service to our state. #gapol pic.twitter.com/DYH4Aor4e7

— Geoff Duncan (@GeoffDuncanGA) August 1, 2018