Staff Reports
In Tuesday’s election, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, both key figures in the Georgia election case against former President Donald Trump, emerged victorious in their respective races.
Willis defeated progressive attorney Christian Wise Smith in the Democratic primary and will face Republican Courtney Kramer in the fall. McAfee, running in a nonpartisan race, won and will serve a full four-year term starting in January.
Fani Willis and judge presiding over Georgia Trump election case defeat challengers https://t.co/Y9ocWRAREZ
— ABC7 News (WZVN-TV) (@ABC7SWFL) May 22, 2024
The high-profile election case has brought national attention to both Willis and McAfee, significantly boosting their name recognition.
Willis had a substantial fundraising advantage and the benefits of incumbency, making her primary victory anticipated. Given Fulton County’s strong Democratic lean, Willis appears to have favorable odds heading into the general election.
Kramer, with connections to prominent Trump allies in Georgia, stated that the Trump indictment spurred her decision to challenge Willis, highlighting a desire for change in the community’s leadership.
McAfee, appointed by Republican Governor Brian Kemp last year, has also risen to prominence due to his role in presiding over the election interference case. He has garnered bipartisan support and strong fundraising, positioning him as the likely favorite.
Willis' campaign has focused on reducing case backlogs, combating gang violence, and supporting at-risk youth in the criminal justice system. However, her romantic involvement with a special prosecutor in the election case has stirred controversy, with defense attorneys alleging a conflict of interest. McAfee ruled that this did not disqualify Willis, but the case is still pending before the Georgia Court of Appeals.
McAfee, who has experience as both a federal and state prosecutor, has received support from figures across the political spectrum, including Gov. Kemp and former Gov. Roy Barnes.
The victories of Willis and McAfee underscore the ongoing significance of the Georgia election case and its impact on the political landscape.
