Democrat Adam Cleveland defeated Republican Rep. Scott Hilton in Georgia House District 48, winning by 447 votes in unofficial returns from the Nov. 3 election.
Cleveland received 14,079 votes to Hilton’s 13,632, or 50.81% to 49.19%, according to a results compilation drawing on Georgia Secretary of State data.
The district spans north Fulton and Gwinnett counties, including portions of Roswell, Johns Creek, Alpharetta and Peachtree Corners. Results remain unofficial pending certification.
Cleveland’s priorities
Cleveland, an attorney and small business owner from Johns Creek, was making his first run for office. He watched the returns at a Johns Creek clubhouse with family, friends and campaign volunteers, Appen Media reported.
He told the outlet that voters wanted change and a political outsider.
Cleveland supports expanding access to abortion and reproductive health care and repealing school voucher programs, which he argues divert funding from public schools. His candidate questionnaire also identifies ranked-choice voting, term limits and independent redistricting as priorities.
Hilton’s legislative tenure
Hilton won the District 48 seat in 2022. He previously represented District 95 after winning election in 2016, but lost his reelection bid in 2018.
During this campaign, Hilton emphasized lowering household costs through property tax relief and reducing unnecessary regulations. He also supported funding for public schools and public safety.
Part of a statewide shift
Cleveland’s victory was among the Democratic pickups that helped the party reach an apparent Georgia House majority for the first time since 2004.
Atlanta News First reported that unofficial returns showed Democrats reaching the 91 seats required to control the 180-member chamber.
Republicans retained a 29–27 majority in the Senate. With Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms winning the governor’s race, the results position Democrats to hold the governorship and House in 2027 while Republicans retain the Senate.
The General Assembly convenes Monday, Jan. 11, 2027.
