US election: Georgia elects first black Senator as Warnock wins

By George Aluo, with agency reports

Rev Raphael Warnock has defeated senator Kelly Loeffler to become the next Democratic US senator from Georgia.

With the victory, which has been confirmed by AP, Warnock will become the state’s first black US senator ever.

Meanwhile, Raphael Warnock has delivered a message of unity to all Georgians.

“Georgia, I am honored by the faith that you have shown in me,” the Democratic candidate said. “I am going to the Senate to work for all of Georgia.”

Warnock argued this moment represented a choice for all Georgians and all Americans. “Will we continue to divide, distract and dishonor one another? Or will we love our neighbors as love ourselves?” Warnock said.

The Democrat also offered an olive branch to Republicans, after an ugly and divisive campaign that was marred by attacks from Loeffler’s team that Warnock’s supporters described as racist. (Warnock would be the first Black person to represent Georgia in the Senate.)

“Whether you voted for me or not, know this: I hear you. I see you. And every day I’m in the United States Senate, I will fight for you,” Warnock said.