Republican Butch Miller easily won election over Jimmy Norman in Tuesday’s primary to keep his newly earned seat in the Georgia Senate.

Miller, who faced Norman in a May 11 special election to fill the unexpired term of former Republican Sen. Lee Hawkins, defeated him in the race for a full term to represent the 49th District, which covers Hall County and part of Jackson County.

“We worked hard to create that solid base during the special election and that’s carried forward through the primary,” Miller said.

I’m just very grateful for all the encouragement and support from all over the district.”

Miller, 52, who was sworn in May 20, is an owner and dealer manager of Milton Martin Honda in Gainesville.

“Having been in the retail business, I’ve dealt with people all my life on a one-on-one basis and trying to come to an agreement,” he said. “I think that transfers well into public service.”

Miller said he has been visiting the state Capitol about once a week “to find my way around and to meet folks in different departments and agencies, (so) I can have a leg up when the legislature starts in the new year.”

Norman did not return calls seeking comment. The Flowery Branch native is a real estate broker and developer.

In other area legislative races:

• Republican Mike Dudgeon won the House District 24 seat, which covers a portion of Forsyth County.
• Republican incumbent Jim Butterworth won re-election in Senate District 50, which covers Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Hart, Rabun, Stephens and Towns County and part of White County.