Georgia Senate elections live updates: Jon Ossoff projected to win Ga. Senate seat

Former President Barack Obama in a statement Wednesday congratulated Warnock on his historic projected win in Georgia.

“My friend John Lewis is surely smiling down on his beloved Georgia this morning, as people across the state carried forward the baton that he and so many others passed down to them,” Obama wrote.

He also lauded the "resilient, visionary leadership" of Stacey Abrams and added that, “Democrats in Georgia and across the country should feel good today.”

“Georgia’s first Black senator will make the chamber more reflective of our country as a whole and open the door for a Congress that can forego gridlock for gridlock’s sake to focus instead on the many crises facing our nation -- pandemic relief for struggling families, voting rights, protecting our planet, and more,” Obama wrote.

He implored Americans to remain engaged in civic life. 

“If we want to protect the gains we’ve made, achieve even more progress in the years to come, and reinforce the foundations of self-governance on which our country rests, there’s no better path to follow than the one forged by the determined, organized, and confidently hopeful people of Georgia,” Obama wrote.

-ABC News’ Ben Gittleson

Gabriel Sterling, the voting system implementation manager in Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger's office, gave an election update Wednesday morning, saying that Ossoff is now leading over Perdue by 17,567 votes.

With 98% of the expected vote in, Ossoff leads with 50.2% (2,213,099 votes) to Perdue’s 49.8% (2,195,532 votes).

Sterling also said there has been no evidence of any irregularities in the process when asked about potential fraud.

"No evidence of any irregularities," Sterling said. "We've had a few things come in on the hotline that might be investigated, but again, we've seen nothing widespread. We've seen nothing that seems real in any way, shape or form, quite honestly."

-ABC News' Quinn Scanlan

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., was clearly ecstatic Wednesday morning as he addressed reporters about the election results in Georgia which may turn the Senate over to Democratic control.

"We sure did not take the most direct path to get here, but we are here," Schumer said. "It feels like a brand new day." 

Schumer said during his press conference today that passing $2,000 direct payments will be a top priority if Warnock and Ossoff are both seated. While ABC News can project Warnock's victory, it hasn't projected an Ossoff victory.

Still, Schumer said Wednesday, "One of the first things that I want to do when our new senators are seated is deliver the $2,000 checks to the American families."

Schumer said he's spoken to Biden and "pledged" that his administration will have an ally in the Democratic Senate. 

"For too long much-needed help has been stalled or diluted by a Republican-led Senate and President Trump. That will change with a Democratic Senate, Democratic House and a Democratic president," Schumer said. 

-ABC News’ Allie Pecorin

Fresh off his projected victory, Warnock stopped by ABC News’ “The View” on Wednesday to discuss his historic win.

“I am delighted and deeply honored that the people of Georgia have chosen me to represent them in the United States Senate,” Warnock said. “I know that these are some difficult and dark days, but every now and then God sends us a glimpse of hope and light, I think to encourage us to keep fighting the good fight.” 

Warnock spoke directly to those who are struggling right now, saying, “you are looking at an iteration and example of the American dream."

“I grew up in public housing. I'm one of 12 children in my family. I'm number 11 and the first college graduate,” Warnock added. 

While ABC News has not projected an Ossoff victory, Warnock said he is confident that when the votes are counted he will prevail.

“I have no doubt that Jon Ossoff will also be a United States senator from the state of Georgia.” 

The Ebenezer Baptist Church pastor added he hopes the Senate can be “a force for good.” 

Warnock said he has not heard from the Loeffler campaign since his projected victory, but said he hopes to represent all Georgians, even those who did not vote for him.