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Jason Carter wins primary to take on Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal

The grandson of former President Carter won the Democratic primary for Georgia governor to take on incumbent Gov. Nathan Deal, who bested two GOP challengers.
Jason Carter
Georgia State Senator Jason Carter, the grandson of former US president Jimmy Carter, hands in documents to officially qualify to run in the Democratic primary for Georgia governor at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta, Georgia, March 5, 2014.

Georgia state Sen. Jason Carter won the Democratic primary for governor in Georgia Tuesday, according to the Associated Press. He now faces incumbent Gov. Nathan Deal, who won the Republican primary Tuesday in his quest for a second term.

Carter, the grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, ran unopposed. Gov. Deal bested two Republican primary challengers to become the GOP nominee. 

The Carter campaign posted a message on Twitter celebrating the victory and pledging to "#changethedeal." 

"The campaign for Georgia's future starts now," Carter said in a statement released Tuesday night. "We need new leaders with a vision for Georgia that starts with a world-class education system and an economy that works for everyone. I look forward to visiting every part of our state and debating Gov. Deal on the issues that matter most to Georgia families."

Carter said he was "humbled" by the nomination and "excited for this campaign."

The Republican Governors Association issued its own statement in response to Gov. Deal's primary win, with RGA Chairman Chris Christie hailing Deal's "strong, focused leadership."

"Governor Nathan Deal has forged a clear path forward for his state, leading Georgia to over 235,000 new jobs," the New Jersey Republican governor said in the statement. "The Republican Governors Association is proud to support Governor Deal's re-election campaign."