Georgia Runoffs to Decide GOP House Candidates

Georgia Republicans are finalizing two congressional nominations in Tuesday runoffs, with a former Donald Trump aide running for an open seat and a man convicted for illegal activities inside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, running in a different district.

On the other hand, Democrats will be selecting their candidate to go up against Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., in the November general election. Additionally, both parties will also be determining nominees in eight state legislative runoffs that did not have a clear majority winner in the May 21 primaries.

Anticipated low turnout could mean that some congressional nominees might be chosen by only a small portion of voters, particularly in the 2nd and 14th districts.

Here is an overview of the races:

Republican Chuck Hand made headlines when he walked out of a televised debate. Hand is competing with Wayne Johnson to challenge incumbent Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Ga., in the 2nd Congressional District, which covers southwest Georgia, including Columbus and Macon.

Johnson secured nearly 45% of the vote in the primary on May 21, compared to Hand’s nearly 32%.

Hand is one of several individuals convicted of crimes on Jan. 6 who are running for Congress as Republicans this year. Following a guilty plea to a misdemeanor offense, he was sentenced to 20 days in federal prison and six months of probation.

Both Hand and Johnson agree on the primary obstacle — the Republican nominee must attract new GOP voters since Bishop won 55% in 2022.

A construction superintendent residing in rural Butler, Hand believes he is leading a movement aimed at improving economic conditions in one of Georgia’s most impoverished areas. His goal is to unite Black and white workers under Trump’s leadership. However, Hand declined to address many of the pressing issues affecting Congress.

Johnson has voiced his opinion that Hand is not fit for the position. A former U.S. Education Department official under Trump, Johnson believes he is better equipped to garner support from long-time Democratic backers of Bishop, who are predominantly Black.

“Hand lacks depth on key substantive issues that matter to voters, but he excels in bluster and bravado,” said Johnson.

Michael Nixon, who came in third in May with 19% of the vote, endorsed Johnson while raising concerns about previous criminal charges against Hand that were dropped, as well as a past conviction of Hand’s wife for the illegal sale of oxycodone.

Republican Brian Jack advocates for the voters of the 3rd District to elect “someone President Trump has confidence in to be an ally of America First.”

His opponent, former state Senate Majority Leader Mike Dugan, argues that Jack’s ties to Washington are a liability, and voters would prefer someone who represents “Georgia values.”

The winner is projected to be the favorite to succeed Republican Rep Drew Ferguson, who is stepping down after four terms.

Jack, a 36-year-old native of Peachtree City who was involved in Trump’s 2016 campaign and served as White House political director for four years. He later worked for then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, earning Trump’s endorsement and substantial fundraising backing from top Republicans.

Dugan, a 60-year-old contractor and retired Army officer, emphasizes his experience as a decision-maker and coalition builder, presenting Jack as a “D.C. insider.”

The 3rd District covers parts of Atlanta’s southern and western suburbs, heading south to Columbus, with Republicans typically securing about two-thirds of the vote.

Democrat Maura Keller awaits the GOP nominee in November.

Jack won nearly 47% of the vote in May, being the top vote-getter in 14 out of 15 counties. Dugan received almost 25% of the vote, winning in his home county of Carroll.

The third- and fourth-place finishers both endorsed Jack.

The Democrats competing to challenge Greene in the 14th District are Clarence Blalock, a former 2021 Atlanta City Council candidate, and Shawn Harris, a retired Army general and rancher. Blalock narrowly led Harris in the primary that featured four candidates. The winner faces a tough battle in a heavily Republican district.

Nominees for eight state legislative seats will be determined in runoffs. Republican incumbent Steven Sainz is fighting to retain his House District 180 seat in Camden and Glynn counties against challenger Glenn Cook.