CUMMING — The District 27 state Senate race is heading to a runoff between incumbent Jack Murphy and challenger Michael Williams.

Murphy garnered about 37.5 percent of the vote, or about 6,975 votes, in Tuesday’s Republican primary, with Williams getting nearly 34.5 percent, or 6,400 votes.

“Our campaign was victorious in spreading its common sense conservative message,” said Murphy in a statement. “While turnout was low, we remain steadfast into the coming runoff cycle.

“I am committed to championing our shared conservative values.”

Williams said he was excited to be heading to the July 22 runoff, but added it was part of the campaign’s plan from the beginning.

“We’re ready for the next nine weeks,” he said. “We’re going to get out there and meet the people. We’ve knocked on about 12,000 doors, made thousands of calls and gotten out there meeting people so we’ve got to just keep getting out there.

“The people of Forsyth County are ready for someone to represent them, to listen to them and to just go out there and fight for the beliefs and values of the people in Forsyth County.”

There is no opposition from Democrats in the Nov. 4 General Election, so either Murphy or Williams will win the post.

The third primary candidate, Lauren McDonald III, could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

McDonald, the former longtime county coroner, got about 28 percent of the vote, or about 5,250 votes, falling short of the runoff.