Georgia Voters Face Two High-Profile Races on Tuesday

Georgia voters will decide the state’s next governor and a U.S. Senate seat on Tuesday, following a record-setting early voting period that concluded Friday. State officials reported that 2,294,275 early votes were tallied, breaking the 2022 midterm record. If neither candidate secures a majority, a runoff election is scheduled for Dec. 1.

The gubernatorial race pits former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms against businessman Rick Jackson. Bottoms, who served as mayor from 2018 to 2022, entered the race after the 2024 presidential election. Jackson, a 72-year-old healthcare investor, campaigned on his background of overcoming poverty and compared his approach to President Donald Trump’s business style. He joined Trump at a recent rally in Perry, where the president described Jackson as an amazing man with an incredible story.

A key point of contention in the governor’s race is Jackson’s refusal to participate in a statewide debate hosted by the Atlanta Press Club. Bottoms criticized his absence, arguing that a candidate who avoids unscripted questions should be questioned on their suitability for office. Jackson maintained that he has visited thousands of Georgians and that voters care more about affordability and property taxes than debates. The Georgia Recorder noted that Jackson is the first gubernatorial candidate to skip the debate series since 1994.

In the U.S. Senate contest, Democrat Jon Ossoff faces Republican Representative Mike Collins. Ossoff was first sworn into office in January 2021. Collins, a co-founder of a trucking company representing the 10th congressional district, gained Trump’s endorsement during the primary runoff. Collins echoed Trump’s views on the 2020 election, telling Ossoff during a debate that there was a lot of doubt in that election while confirming Joe Biden was the president.

Both Democratic candidates have received high-profile support. President Barack Obama rallied for Ossoff and Bottoms, telling crowds they were voting for change in Georgia. Ossoff has focused on economic concerns, stating that the cost of groceries, fuel, and healthcare has reached all-time highs. He contrasted this with Trump’s claim that inflation is under 2 percent and under control. Democrats are using these cost-of-living issues to pressure Republican districts in the state.

Voters must present photo identification to cast ballots, whether in person or by absentee mail. Accepted forms include a Georgia driver’s license, a student ID from a Georgia public college, or a valid U.S. passport. The deadline to request an absentee ballot was Oct. 23, and these ballots must be returned before polls close on Election Day. Early voting ended Friday, and the voter registration deadline has passed.