Georgia Votes
Georgia Votes

U.S. House District 12: Democrats in runoff vie to challenge Rick Allen

The Augusta Republican is seeking a fifth term in the eastern Georgia district.
(Illlustration: By the AJC)

Credit: Philip Robibero@ajc.com

Credit: Philip Robibero@ajc.com

(Illlustration: By the AJC)
By Jamie Dupree – For The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Updated June 2, 2026

A pair of Democrats in Georgia’s 12th Congressional District are locked in a runoff, with the winner advancing to challenge U.S. Rep. Rick Allen in November.

Former educator Traci George and Grovetown City Council member Ceretta Smith were the top two vote-getters in the May 19 Democratic primary. Smith won about 33% of the vote, and George just less than 27% in the five-way race.

Allen won more than 83% of the vote to easily defeat Tori Branum, a U.S. Marine veteran and firearms trainer, in the GOP race.

The congressman is seeking his sixth term in the district, which stretches from his hometown of Augusta to Statesboro in the eastern part of the state.

Allen won reelection in 2024 with just over 60% of the vote.

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U.S. Rep. Rick Allen is seeking his sixth term in the 12th Congressional District. (Nathan Posner for the AJC)

Credit: Nathan Posner for the AJC

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Credit: Nathan Posner for the AJC

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