Although America’s presidential race culminated in a Democratic party Biden-Harris victory, legislative and executive power still hang in the balance – all eyes are looking to Georgia’s still-undecided Senate races.
Who’s running, and what’s at stake?
In one race, Republican incumbent Senator Kelly Loeffler will run against Democratic challenger Raphael Warnock, a high profile activist and pastor of Martin Luther King’s famed Ebenezer Baptist Church. In the other, Republican incumbent Senator David Perdue faces off against Democrat Jon Ossoff.
Both Democrats have collaborated as “brothers” in their quest to win a Senate majority that would guarantee that a comprehensive economic stimulus package, like those sponsored by congressional Democrats, would have a fighting chance at being passed.
Millionaire and WNBA team owner Loeffler, and wealthy politician Perdue, have been criticized for suspicious stock trade activity that implies they profited from early, secret pandemic briefings. Loeffler also faces criticism for her disapproval of vocal WNBA players, who used their platforms to highlight social justice issues and endorse opponent Warnock.
Ultimately, if both seats go to Democrats, creating a Senate tie, then Vice President-elect Kamala Harris (D) will enjoy tie breaker status. Republicans, who have long been opposed to comprehensive pandemic relief, are on the attack, hoping to prevent this.
Unprecedented Black voter turnout in Georgia may have made the difference in Biden’s 2020 presidential win. Will Black voters make the difference in this crucial election as well?