US state of Georgia: Maybe tipping the scales again

In the US, the stalemate over congressional control continues after the midterms. While the Senate race is still being counted in Nevada, it is clear in Georgia that there will be a runoff election in December.

“Lord, we trust in You to ensure our votes confirm Senator Warnock in office,” prays a group of Democrats in Atlanta. Many black supporters of Democrat Raphael Warnock are concerned that Republican Herschel Walker could prevail in the race for the Senate seat in Georgia.

Many fear that racism could increase if the majority in the House and Senate went to Republicans. Like Warnock, Walker is African American. But the difference, Warnock supporter Laurence explains, is that Warnock stands for democracy and is a candidate for everyone in Georgia, not just one ethnic group.

Anger at Walker, the former football star

Joy gets angry when she thinks of Herschel Walker for allowing himself to be a Republican pawn as a black man. “He’s like a puppy, like a clown, he’s not even humanly fit to be a senator,” Joy is convinced.

Herschel Walker, the former football star, hit the headlines because – as a categorical opponent of abortion during the election campaign – he is said to have urged two women to have abortions. He denies that. He is undeniably a supporter of ex-President Donald Trump, who also supports him.

And that’s the problem, says Reginald Jackson. He is the bishop of over 500 black Methodist churches in Georgia. Jackson emphasizes that he has also supported Republicans. But not this time. The bishop is concerned about democracy – also because of candidates like Walker. “He and many other Republicans in the country have made it very clear that their allegiance is to Trump, not to the country, not to the Constitution. That’s dangerous,” the bishop said.

Runoff election on December 6th

Cory Ruth, on the other hand, is a Republican. The Atlanta businessman can’t understand all the talk about a threat to democracy: “I wish we could stop pretending that the world’s oldest democracy is in danger just because someone doubts election results,” explains Ruth. He will again vote for Herschel Walker in the runoff. A Democratic Senator from Georgia is enough, the Republican voice from Georgia must also be heard in the Senate.

The decision will be made on December 6th in a runoff election – just like after the 2020 election. After Georgia had voted Republican for decades, both Senate seats went to the Democrats in the runoff. This time it’s only up for one seat. With the Arizona Senate seat gone to Democrats, Georgia could again decide whether Republicans or Democrats have the majority.