Ga. labor commissioner beats little-known Democrat in primary to challenge US Sen. Isakson

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Thurmond wins Dem. primary in Ga. Senate race

ATLANTA — Georgia’s labor commissioner has defeated a little-known opponent to win the state’s Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.

Michael Thurmond will face Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson in November.

Thurmond defeated Conyers resident R.J. Hadley on Tuesday. Unofficial returns show Thurmond with 83 percent of the vote with 16 percent of precincts reporting.

Thurmond has been Georgia’s labor commissioner for 12 years and has raised $117,000 since announcing his Senate bid in April.

Hadley is a former social worker who worked on President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign.

Isakson is seeking a second six-year term. He ran unopposed in the Republican primary.