Two Republican candidates are headed to a runoff for the new state House District 28 in northeast Forsyth and western Hall counties.

The top two vote-getters in the six-candidate Republican primary were Brent Cox, with 3,363 votes in the district, 32.3% of the total and Julie Tressler, with 2,361 votes, about 22.7% of the total, who will face off in the June 21 runoff election since no candidate received 50% of the vote total plus one vote. 

Who they are: Cox is a business owner and football coach from Forsyth County, and Tressler is a Forsyth County resident and works in residential real estate sales.

What they had to say: “I’m excited to see all the support that I’ve gotten within the district, and the opponents have all been first-class people,” Cox said. “I enjoyed competing with them, and they’ve actually become friends, and the ones that will not be in the runoff, they worked really hard. Hopefully, I can continue the friendship with them, and we can continue to help District 28 be successful.”

"The District 28 race isn't over yet—we now have a runoff campaign to win," Tressler said in a statement to supporters. "I hope those of you who have supported me this far will support me again in the runoff next month. I will continue working hard for families and small businesses in our community. Thank you for your continued love and support."

On the issues: Cox previously said he is in favor of “common sense” growth in the area and developing a growth plan over the next 10-15 years. He has also said he is against a “’one-size-fits-all’ approach to education” and wants parents to have more choices and involvement in their child’s education. 

Tressler has previously said she is in favor of eliminating the state income tax and banning the teaching of divisive concepts from schools and colleges receiving public funds. She said she is also in favor of preservation of Lake Lanier and addressing traffic and congestion issues. 

What’s next: Cox and Tressler will face off in the runoff on Tuesday, June 21. The winner of the race will dace Democrat Claudia Wood, an education director, in November. 

Other candidates receiving votes were:

Tim Short- 2,186 votes, or 21%;

Blake McClellan- 1,395, 13.4%;

Donald "D.A." Lannom- 746, 7.2%

John Luchetti- 360, 3.5%.