ATLANTA — Effingham County voters helped decide Democratic nominees Tuesday in runoff elections for Georgia's 1st and 12th Congressional Districts, both of which include portions of the county.

In the Democratic runoff for the 12th Congressional District, Ceretta Smith defeated Traci Acree George by a 55% to 44% margin. Smith advances to the November general election, where she will challenge incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Rick Allen.

In the Democratic runoff for the 1st Congressional District, Amanda Hollowell defeated Joyce Griggs 53% to 47%. Hollowell will face Republican Jim Kingston in November for the seat being vacated by retiring U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter.

Effingham County is split between the two congressional districts. The county's western and northern areas are represented by the 12th District, while the eastern and southern portions of the county are part of the 1st District.

The runoff elections were held after no candidate received more than 50% of the vote in the May primary.