Georgia election: Heartwarming moment voter gives Stacey Abrams roses 'from women who did not live to see her achievements'

Charlie Matthews, 73, presents Georgia candidate Stacey Abrams with red roses (Picture: Alyssa Pointer/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

This is the heartfelt moment a man gave Stacey Abrams flowers from all the women in his family who did not live to witness her accomplishments.

Charlie Matthews, 73, presented the Georgia candidate, who is running to become the first black female governor in the midterm elections, with the red roses as part of her bid to become the state’s first black governor.

During a campaign stop in Buena Vista before the polls had closed, Mr Matthews approached Ms Abrams’ platform. He dedicated the flowers to the Democratic candidate and all the deceased women in his family, reporter Alyssa Pointer said.

On Wednesday morning, Ms Abrams was refusing to concede the election to Republican Brian Kemp.

Democratic candidate Stacey Abrams speaks to supporters and refuses to concede at her election night headquarters (Tami Chappell/EPA)

It had been too close to call as the polling stations closed, but 44-year-old Ms Abrams was reportedly behind Mr Kemp.

Republican candidate Brian Kemp at an election night event in Athens, Georgia (Kevin Cox/Getty Images)

But both candidates were awaiting the final accounting of absentee and provisional ballots.

Ms Abrams, who had received heavy backing from Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey, said “votes remain to be counted” and “voices are waiting to be heard”.

Her campaign had sought to rally greater numbers of young voters and minorities, who typically favour Democrats but often sit out elections in years when a presidential vote is not held.