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ATLANTA (WJBF) – Georgia voters are set to return to the polls next month after several key primary races ended without a candidate garnering over 50% of the vote, prompting run-off elections slated for June 16.
Two of the most prominent contests advancing to run-offs include the Republican races for the U.S. Senate and the governorship.
In the Republican U.S. Senate contest, former football coach Derek Dooley is set to challenge Congressman Mike Collins in what promises to be an intensely scrutinized run-off. Meanwhile, in the Republican gubernatorial race, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is squaring off against entrepreneur Rick Jackson for the party’s nomination.
On the Democratic side, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms successfully avoided a run-off, securing the Democratic nomination for governor outright.
Political analysts suggest that these run-off elections could highlight significant divides within Georgia’s Republican Party, particularly between traditional conservatives and those aligned with the MAGA movement.
Andra Gillespie, an assistant professor of political science at Emory University, says Republicans still maintain an edge statewide, but Democrats could remain competitive if voter enthusiasm continues through November.
“The fundamentals of this race are still going to privilege whoever the Republican nominee is,” Gillespie said. “Georgia still has slightly more Republicans than Democrats.”
She added that Democratic turnout during the primary could be a positive sign for the party heading into the general election.
Endorsements are also expected to play a major role in the runoff campaigns.
President Joe Biden endorsed Bottoms in the Democratic governor’s race, while President Donald Trump backed Burt Jones in the Republican contest.
Gov. Brian Kemp endorsed Derek Dooley in the GOP Senate race, although Trump has not yet endorsed a candidate in that contest.
Gillespie said the runoff matchups highlight the ideological diversity still present within the Republican coalition in Georgia.
“In the governor’s race, you have two MAGA-identified candidates who made it into the runoff,” Gillespie said. “In the Senate race, you have a MAGA-wing representative and somebody who represents a more traditional wing of the party.”
Other statewide races headed to run-offs include contests for lieutenant governor and secretary of state on both sides of the ballot.
If elected in November, Bottoms would become the first African American female governor in U.S. history.