As Georgia heads to the polls on May 21, several key races are drawing significant attention. Here’s a look at some of the most pivotal contests:
3rd Congressional District
The 3rd District race is highly competitive, with five Republicans vying for the seat left open by the retirement of Rep. Drew Ferguson. The candidates include Brian Jack, a former Trump aide with the ex-president’s endorsement, former state Senate majority leader Mike Dugan, former state Senator Mike Crane, ex-cop and Republican activist Jim Bennett, and former state Rep. Phillip Singleton.
6th Congressional District
Rep. Lucy McBath, currently representing the 7th District, is switching to run in the 6th District. She faces primary challenges from Cobb County Commissioner Jerica Richardson and State Rep. Mandisha Thomas. This district, reshaped by redistricting, is expected to be a battleground in the general election.
13th Congressional District
Incumbent Rep. David Scott faces a crowded primary with six challengers, including Marcus Flowers, who previously ran against Marjorie Taylor Greene in the 14th District. Other candidates in the race are Karen Rene, Uloma Kama, Brian Johnson, Rashid Malik, and Jonathan Chavez. This district’s primary will test Scott’s hold on a seat he has occupied since 2003.
State Senate District 40
Sen. Sally Harrell is running for reelection in this DeKalb County district, facing a primary challenge from David Lubin. The race is indicative of the broader Democratic primary dynamics in the state.
State Senate District 53
Incumbent Sen. Colton Moore, known for his controversial tenure and clashes with the GOP establishment, faces Angela Pence in the Republican primary. Pence, a former Libertarian Party member, previously ran against Marjorie Taylor Greene as a third-party candidate.
Georgia Supreme Court
Justice Andrew Pinson is up for reelection and faces a rare challenge from John Barrow. This race is notable as it’s uncommon for sitting justices to have formidable opponents.
DeKalb County CEO
The race to succeed Michael Thurmond as DeKalb County CEO is a pivotal contest in this primary season. Three current commissioners are competing for the position:
- Steve Bradshaw (District 4 Commissioner) focuses on improving public safety, enhancing customer service, and fostering a business-friendly environment. He has significant endorsements from figures such as State Sen. Elena Parent and DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston.
- Lorraine Cochran-Johnson (District 7 Commissioner) emphasizes affordable housing and systemic reforms. She advocates for a new vision and increased vitality in DeKalb County.
- Larry Johnson (District 3 Commissioner) has served since 2002 and plans to continue Thurmond’s legacy by focusing on infrastructure and creating an office for violence prevention. He is endorsed by Stacey Abrams and former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin.
Fulton County District Attorney
Fani Willis is running for reelection amid intense scrutiny due to her handling of high-profile cases, including the prosecution related to the 2020 election interference. Her challengers include:
- Christian Wise Smith (Democrat), a former Atlanta prosecutor who previously ran against Willis in 2020, emphasizes reform and accountability.
- Courtney Kramer (Republican), an attorney who worked with Trump’s legal team, criticizes Willis’ handling of the DA’s office and accuses her of politicizing the role.
Superior Court Judge
Judge Scott McAfee, overseeing the Trump trial, faces challengers in his bid to retain his seat. The candidates in this nonpartisan race include:
- Robert Patillo, a civil rights attorney known for his activism and involvement with the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
- Tiffani Johnson, a staff attorney with experience in the Fulton County judiciary.
These races are set against a backdrop of significant political shifts in Georgia, reflecting both the changing demographics and the evolving political landscape of the state. Voter turnout and the candidates’ ability to mobilize support will be crucial in determining the outcomes.
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