John Yates appeared to be heading for victory in the Republican Primary for the state House of Representatives District 73 seat Tuesday night, crushing his challenger Rick Williams.

At press time, with 17 percent of the votes in in Spalding County, Yates had 1,393 votes, while Williams had 533. In every precinct that had reported results, Yates had decisively beaten his challenger.

There were not any Democrats who qualified for the race.

Yates was campaigning Tuesday evening and could not be reached for comment. Jim Hill, a Spalding County Republican who helped run Yates’ campaign, said the people’s choice was clear.

“I think the decision was clear, that the people want John Yates back representing them,” he said. “The people have spoken - they want John Yates.”

He said Yates will continue to be the conservative Republican that he is and that he will continue to take care of the people in his district. He said Yates sincerely appreciates the support he has received over the years.

Williams said there are no hard feelings between himself and Yates.

“If he wins, I’ll just congratulate (him) and say that I salute him for running a great campaign,” Williams said.

He said he hopes Yates will do well in his new term.

“I congratulate him for running a good race, I salute him and hope that he does well during the next years and makes good things happen from our government for the people of Spalding,” Williams said.