ATLANTA — Jason Dickerson was sworn in Tuesday as Georgia's newest state senator, following on his win last month in the District 21 special election.

The Republican defeated Democrat Debra Shigley in the race to replace former state Sen. Brandon Beach, who vacated the seat to become U.S. treasurer.

It was a closely watched race after Shigley, the only Democrat in the race, pulled 40% of the initial vote -- the highest vote-getter with Republican votes divided among six candidates. The overall Republican-Democrat divide did not narrow in the runoff, though, with Dickerson winning with 61% of votes.

He said after his election victory he was "looking forward to taking office, serving the community, and fulfilling their mandate to champion the America First values that make us the greatest

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