VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) — Two candidates for the Georgia House of Representatives’ 177th seat are headed to a runoff election following the May 12 primary vote in Lowndes County. Six candidates were in the running for the seat.

>> READ MORE: Six candidates vying for District 177 seat vacancy since Dexter Sharper resigned <<

Because none of the six candidates achieved 50% of the vote plus one vote, the race remains undecided. The two candidates with the most votes will be voted on again in a runoff.

The Lowndes County Board of Elections Supervisor confirmed that candidates Alvin Payton, Jr. and Eric Howard will go on to a runoff election. Election Day for the runoff will be June 9, officials said.

According to unofficial election results from the Georgia Secretary of State’s office, Payton got 35.75% of the vote (586 votes), and Howard got 19% (325 votes).

The GA-177 seat was vacated for the first time in 13 years when former Representative Dexter Sharper resigned in March 2026.

>> READ MORE: Former Valdosta state rep Dexter Sharper to plead guilty in unemployment fraud case <<

This comes after former Representative Dexter Sharper resigned in March 2026, after he and two other state representatives were accused of lying on pandemic unemployment forms and taking nearly $14,000 in benefits.

WALB will have further coverage of this race and more across South Georgia. Stay with us for the latest updates here. On Election Day, May 19, results will be posted here.

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