Race for Georgia's District 6 heats up...again

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With two weeks leading up to the Midterm Election, a lot of people around Georgia are focused on the race for Governor. It’s hard not to with Republican Brian Kemp leading Democrat Stacey Abrams by one point in the polls. But there is another race heating up in metro Atlanta.

Georgia’s 6th Congressional District is getting a lot of attention again. It’s been about a year and a half since the most expensive House election in history took place. It was a special election held after then Rep. Tom Price was tapped by the president to run the Health and Human Services.

Ultimately, Republican Karen Handel beat Democrat Jon Ossoff in the runoff by less than three points. Since then, she has served as the representative in what has long been considered a Republican-dominated district.

SEE ALSO: Karen Handel speaks to FOX 5 following 6th District win

This November, Handel will again have to vie for the seat taking on Democrat Lucy McBath. Handle and McBath are within four points of each other according to recent polling.

As lines continue to snake around the building for early voting, some waiting more than an hour and a half to cast their ballots, the two suburban women are sharing their stories, hoping their struggle through personal tragedies will help galvanize resolve among voters that they are the right fit for the office.

In her first swing at politics, McBath has achieved national attention as an advocate for gun control after her 17-year old son was shot and killed at a Florida gas station.

"These are not just platform issues. I've lived the very things that they are concerned about," McBath said.

McBath faces an uphill battle as she attempts to infiltrate a Republican stronghold of nearly 40 years, historically known as the political launch pad for Newt Gingrich.

Karen Handel, the incumbent for just over one year, said she too has overcome hardship after fleeing abuse in her home at 17, now motivated to help people fight addiction.

On behalf of Handel, the National Republican Congressional Committee is pouring a $1.4 million into the district's race, just weeks ahead of midterms. Some analysts are saying the timing suggests the race is closer than initially perceived.

Democrats have been eyeing the 6th District for several election cycles as its minority population grows. But Handel is confident the district's constituents remain conservative touting a recent poll showing a four-point lead over McBath.

"At the end of the day people care about what's happening with their families and that goes across every demographic that is not anything driven by race," Rep. Handel said.

Both candidates slammed each other on numerous controversies in a debate this week.

Handel accuses McBath of avoiding taxes during her brief residence in Tennessee while McBath said Handel has been "bought" by the NRA.

SEE ALSO: Gun activist opposing NRA-backed Georgia congresswoman