US Rep. Tom Graves from north Georgia wins GOP nomination in bid for full term in Congress

Ga. Rep. Graves wins GOP nod in bid for full term

ATLANTA — Republican voters in north Georgia have nominated freshman U.S. Rep. Tom Graves to run for a full term — an election he has every chance of winning since he faces no opposition in November.

In unofficial returns from Tuesday’s primary runoff election, Graves defeated fellow Republican Lee Hawkins 56 percent to 44 percent with 87 percent of precincts reporting.

The 40-year-old Graves had won a special election in June to fill the remaining months in the term of Nathan Deal, a longtime congressman who stepped down to run for governor.

Graves has positioned himself among the most conservative House members. Tuesday’s victory marked his fourth consecutive win over Hawkins, a dentist and former state senator.