Warnock wins re-election in runoff; what Georgians can expect
Then candidate Rev. Raphael Warnock speaks at a campaign rally in Augusta Jan.4, 2021. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)
By Rakiyah Lenon | Editor in chief
Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock will hold on to his U.S. Senate seat after winning the run-off election against Republican candidate Herschel Walker on Tuesday, Dec. 6.
The race was called by many news outlets late that evening, with Warnock beating Walker by more than 90,000 votes.
Warnock delivered remarks in his victory speech a few hours after the voting polls closed and results were announced.
“I will always be a voice for Georgia,” he said, “all of Georgia. Whether you voted for me, or whether you didn’t, I will always be fighting for you and I hope to serve our state in a way that makes you proud.”
William Hatcher, chair of the Department of Social Sciences at Augusta University and a political science professor, said residents of Georgia will likely see Warnock build upon the work he has done already.
“Georgians can expect that Warnock will continue the work that he has done over the past two years in the U.S. Senate,” he said. “Overall, he has worked to build connections in the chamber and advocate for Georgia.”
Walker conceded in his speech that evening, thanking his family, supporters and staff while addressing the crowd.
“I don't want any you to stop believing in America,” he said. “I want you to believe in America and continue to believe in the Constitution and believe in our elected officials.”
Gregory Murray, a political science professor at AU, said that on a national level, Warnock’s win breaks the tie in the U.S. Senate, with Democrats holding 51 seats and Republicans occupying 49.
“Although it is a narrow majority, it is indeed a majority,” he said.
Speaking of the race, Murray said: "I think it’s fascinating how closely divided the state is. This is a really close election given what was going on with the candidates.”
Hatcher also said that the outcome of the race shows where the political attitudes of the state lie.
“Politically, Georgia is a closely divided state,” he said. “However, overall, as we saw with the easy reelection of Brian Kemp, Georgia is still a state that most likely leans red in statewide elections.”
As for key takeaways from this election, Murray said there are several things that can be examined, but one point is the difference between political positions representing the state.
“I think there is a lot going on with this,” said Murray. “I think it’s interesting that we have basically two senators who are Democratic, and much of the state government is Republican. There are some thoughts that can be had about that.”
Contact Rakiyah Lenon rlenon@augusta.edu.
Jovon Powell, a worker with Warnock’s campaign, assisted students in finding their polling locations at the Jaguar Student Activities Center on Tuesday, Dec. 6. (photo courtesy of David Bulla)
