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Gabriel Sterling, Chief Operating Officer at the Georgia Secretary of State’s office, provides an update on early voting in the Peach State under the Gold Dome in Atlanta on October 23, 2024. (FOX 5)

ATLANTA – As Georgia election officials grapple with misinformation during early voting, Gabriel Sterling, chief operating officer of the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, is also urging voters to temper their expectations of their preferred candidates as election day is approaching.

“As we approach Election Day, I have a message for supporters of both candidates. Especially their most ardent supporters,” he wrote in a five-part message on X. “Your candidate may lose.”

Sterling, a Republican who infamously called then-president Donald Trump “no longer inspires people to commit potential acts of violence” in the wake of the 2020 presidential election, collective calm is also called for.

“This is a close race. You have to prepare yourself emotionally and mentally for that possible outcome,” he wrote.

His message was aimed at both parties.

“I have been voting in the presidential elections since 1992. I voted for the winner 3 times. Only once did my primary choice make it to the White House. That’s how it goes. You need to be prepared VP Harris supporters, Pres Trump could win, I know it scares you,” he wrote.

“And for my friends who support Pres Trump, there is just as good a chance that VP Harris will win. It is reduced to 7 states. And even then a handful of 1,000 votes in those states … just like it was in ’16 & ’20,” he added.

Sterling also expressed his thoughts on the balance of power in Congress.

“At the same time, there is a much better chance than even that the GOP will win control of the Senate and lose control of the House. The bright side…for Harris and Trump supporters, you both can come back and fight at the Federal Level in 2 years,” he wrote. “And you have a chance to fight for your values ​​for president in 4 years (actually 2.5 including primaries).”

Sterling cited the election as the highest form of patriotism, ending his message on a positive note.

“The American Republic has endured for over 200 years. We will get through this election, regardless of the outcome. I’m not saying it will be easy. But the reality of it,” he wrote.

As of Friday, more than half of all eligible registered voters in Georgia have already cast their ballots.