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Georgia voters to decide key runoff races today
Georgia voters are heading to the polls Tuesday to decide a series of closely watched primary runoff elections that could shape the state's political landscape ahead of November's general election.
ATLANTA - Georgia voters are heading to the polls Tuesday to decide a series of closely watched primary runoff elections that could shape the state's political landscape ahead of November's general election.
For complete Election Day coverage and live results as polls close Tuesday night, visit FOX 5 Atlanta or stream coverage live at 7:30 p.m. on the FOX LOCAL app.
Among the most high-profile contests is the Republican runoff for U.S. Senate, where the winner will advance to challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in the general election.
Senate runoff draws attention
What we know:
The Republican Senate runoff has highlighted a rare split between two of Georgia's most influential Republicans.
U.S. Rep. Mike Collins has secured the endorsement of President Donald Trump, while former college football coach Derek Dooley is backed by Brian Kemp.
Kemp has argued that political outsiders have historically performed well against Democratic incumbents, while Trump has thrown his support behind Collins as Republicans seek to reclaim the Senate seat in November.
Governor's race runoff also on ballot
What we know:
Voters are also deciding the Republican nominee in Georgia's gubernatorial runoff.
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is facing businessman Rick Jackson in a closely watched contest for the party's nomination.
LATEST STORY: Georgia primary runoff poll: Rick Jackson and Burt Jones in dead heat
Jones has earned endorsements from both Kemp and Trump. Kemp has described Jones as the conservative candidate best positioned to keep the governor's office in Republican hands.
RECENT STORY: Gov. Kemp appears on campaign trail with Burt Jones, Derek Dooley
Jackson, a self-funded businessman, has campaigned on building upon the policies and initiatives implemented during Kemp's administration.
Other statewide contests on the ballot
Voters will also decide nominees in several other runoff elections, including races for lieutenant governor, secretary of state, labor commissioner, insurance commissioner, state school superintendent and Public Service Commission.
Turnout expected to play major role
What you can do:
Election officials and candidates are urging voters to participate as turnout is expected to be relatively low. Political observers note that runoff elections often attract fewer voters than general primaries, increasing the impact of those who do cast ballots.
With several competitive races on the ballot, candidates across the state spent the final days of the campaign focused on turnout efforts aimed at energizing supporters and securing enough votes to advance to the general election.
Election officials say nearly 483,000 early and absentee ballots have already been cast ahead of Election Day.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Georgia law allows anyone who is in line by 7 p.m. to cast a ballot, even if voting continues after polls officially close.
Voters can verify their polling location, registration status and sample ballot through Georgia's My Voter Page or by contacting their county elections office.
Who is on the ballot
What we know:
Here is a closer look at who is on the ballot:
Governor
Burt Jones — Georgia's current lieutenant governor enters the runoff with endorsements from both President Donald Trump and Gov. Brian Kemp. Jones has highlighted his record on conservative legislation, tax relief and his work in statewide office.
Rick Jackson — The founder of Jackson Healthcare and a self-funded candidate, Jackson has positioned himself as a business-minded outsider. He frequently points to his journey from foster care to building a successful company and says he wants to streamline government and lower costs for Georgians.
U.S. Senate
Mike Collins — The first-term congressman from Georgia's 10th District owns a trucking business and has closely aligned himself with Trump's policies and campaign efforts. He has promoted his conservative credentials and legislative accomplishments in Washington.
Derek Dooley — The former college football coach has leaned on his outsider status throughout the campaign. The son of former University of Georgia coaching legend Vince Dooley, he has focused his message on bringing a fresh perspective to politics.
Secretary of state
Tim Fleming — A longtime Republican operative and former chief of staff to Gov. Brian Kemp, Fleming has emphasized his experience in state government.
Vernon Jones — A former Democratic lawmaker and DeKalb County executive who later became a prominent Trump supporter, Jones has campaigned on an "America First" platform.
Lieutenant governor
Greg Dolezal — A Republican state senator seeking to move into statewide office.
John F. Kennedy — A Republican state senator who previously served in the Georgia House.
Democratic lieutenant governor
Josh McLaurin — A Democratic state senator representing parts of metro Atlanta.
Nabilah Parkes — A former state representative and community advocate.
Insurance commissioner (Democratic runoff)
Keisha Waites — Former Atlanta City Council member and former state representative.
DeAndre Mathis — Attorney and former judicial candidate.
State school superintendent (Republican runoff)
Richard Woods — The incumbent superintendent seeking another term overseeing Georgia's public schools.
Fred Longgrear — An educator and administrator challenging Woods for the Republican nomination.
Labor commissioner (Democratic runoff)
Nikki Porcher — Founder of a national student debt advocacy organization.
Michelle Sanchez — A labor and employment attorney.
Public Service Commission District 5 (Republican runoff)
Josh Tolbert — An energy consultant and businessman.
Bobby Mehan — An engineer and former utility executive.