Democratic candidate Jack Zibluk has congratulated Republican Lanny Thomas following Tuesday night’s runoff in Georgia’s 53rd State Senate District.

In a statement released after the election, Zibluk called Thomas “a good man” and “a dedicated public servant,” adding that he believes Thomas will do an excellent job in the months ahead.

Zibluk also referenced Thomas’ recent health scare following a car accident, noting that Thomas suffered an aortic separation several weeks ago and is expected to make a full recovery. During that time, Zibluk paused campaign activity until Thomas had recovered enough to continue the race.

Although Thomas won the runoff, Zibluk said he was proud of how his campaign performed. He pointed to recent election history, saying Democrats have continued to gain ground in the district and remain a political force in the region.

Zibluk also made clear that his campaign is not ending with the runoff. Because he is unopposed in the May primary, he will remain on the ballot through November.

In his statement, Zibluk thanked his campaign staff, consultants, county Democratic leaders, and fellow candidates for their support, saying no major accomplishment is achieved alone.

Zibluk, 66, is the Masengill Professor of Communication at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and has a longtime background in journalism and higher education. He lives on Lookout Mountain, Georgia.