Democrat Danielle Bell defeated Republican Rep. Don Parsons in Georgia House District 44, ending his more than three decades in the Legislature.
Bell, a clinical therapist, received 14,533 votes to Parsons’ 13,405, winning approximately 52% to 48%, according to unofficial results compiled by GPS.press from the Georgia Secretary of State’s office. Her margin was 1,128 votes, with all precincts reporting.
The Nov. 3 victory was among the Democratic pickups that helped the party reach an apparent Georgia House majority for the first time since 2004. Atlanta News First reported that unofficial returns showed Democrats reaching the 91 seats needed to control the 180-member chamber.
Democrats entered the election with 81 seats and needed a net gain of 10.
What it means for East Cobb
Parsons, a Marietta Republican, was first elected in 1994 and began serving in 1995. He has represented the district numbered 44 since 2013, following earlier service under different district numbers.
He chairs the House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee and serves on several other committees, including Appropriations, Ways and Means and Health, according to official House records.
Bell is expected to take office when the General Assembly convenes Jan. 11, 2027.
The race drew attention before Election Day as a test of suburban political shifts. Atlanta News First reported in October that northeast Cobb neighborhoods displayed competing yard signs for Bell and Parsons.
Cheryl Mayerick, a 27-year neighborhood resident supporting Bell, told the station that heightened political tensions had led neighbors to avoid political conversations for years.
Statewide picture
The Georgia Recorder listed Bell’s victory among 11 confirmed Democratic pickups as of Wednesday afternoon. It also reported one Republican pickup and several unresolved races.
House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley of Columbus said she would seek the speakership. If elected by House members, she would become the first Black person and first woman to hold the position.
Republican Speaker Jon Burns said Wednesday that counting was unfinished and several races remained within the recount margin. He said Republicans would continue pursuing their priorities regardless of the chamber’s partisan balance.
Republicans retained a 29–27 Senate majority, according to Atlanta News First. Governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms is set to become Georgia’s first Democratic governor since 2003.
Certification ahead
All results remain unofficial. County election officials must certify returns by 5 p.m. Nov. 9. The deadline for state certification of federal and statewide contests is Nov. 20, according to the Georgia Secretary of State’s election calendar.
