Dave Belton will face Democrat B.P. “Patsy” Harrys in the general election for Georgia House District 112.
The Morgan County school board member defeated Newton County’s Aaron Brooks in the Republican runoff by a margin of 108 votes. Belton, unofficially, tallied 2,885 votes, while Brooks, unofficially, had 2,777.

“I want to congratulate Aaron Brooks,” Belton said. “He had a fantastic race, and I think he has a great political future in front of him.”

The two Republicans were attempting to fill the seat voided by Doug Holt, who held the house seat for 10 years, before announcing his retirement.

“I’m disappointed but I had so much fun,” Brooks said. “I enjoyed getting out and talking and getting people’s perspective on things.”

Belton said he will look to take a few weeks off, give people a break from all the Belton State House signs for a little bit and then get back on the campaign trail, with his same platform and zeal for the race.

In the May 20 Republican primary, Belton pulled in the most votes, 2,079 (or 37.8 percent of the total), while Brooks gathered 1,882 (or 34.2 percent). The third candidate, dropped from the runoff, was Ester Fleming Jr., who had 1,539 votes (28 percent).

“We had a great coordinated team in Newton and Morgan County,” Belton said. “Our supporters put a great game plan together for me.

“I’m humbled and grateful that it looks like we have a win.”

Brooks will continue to lend his support to Newton County.

“I ran an honest, good race, and I have a clean conscience,” Brooks said.