Dunwoody Lawmaker Tom Taylor Wins Re-election

State Rep. Tom Taylor (R-79) has won re-election to the Georgia General Assembly after an embarrassing DUI arrest in north Georgia last month.

Taylor defeated a challenge from within the GOP ranks from Tom Owens. Early Tuesday evening, Taylor was leading Owens with 68 percent of the vote to Owens 31 percent, according to figures from the Georgia Secretary of State.

Taylor faces no Democratic opposition this fall.

Taylor was arrested in Rabun County in early April and charged with DUI. Taylor, who has represented District 79 since 2011 as a Republican, reportedly had a blood-alcohol level nearly three times the legal limit of 0.8.

After he was stopped, police discovered Taylor had four juveniles in his vehicle. The officer noted that Taylor smelled of alcohol, and was also legally carrying a gun on his hip. The officer also said Taylor's eyes were red and bloodshot.

Police say Taylor refused to comply with a field sobriety test. They also found an empty water bottle which smelled of alcohol. Taylor was arrested and charged with a DUI and speeding.

Taylor is one of the state House's leading Republican lawmakers, having been at the forefront of attempting to create new, city-sponsored school systems throughout DeKalb and Fulton counties.

In other races:

• State Sen. Fran Millar defeated a challenge from within his own party, Paul Maner, cruising to a victory with 80 percent of the vote.

Image: Georgia General Assembly