By John Q. Hosedrinker 
In a recent special election for a Georgia state Senate seat, Democrat Debra Shigley exceeded expectations, though Republicans maintain an advantage heading into the September runoff. While Shigley secured approximately 39.5% of the vote, the combined Republican candidates garnered 60.5%, necessitating a runoff. This race is taking place in a district that previously favored Donald Trump by a significant margin, yet Democratic performance in special elections this year has demonstrated growing momentum. With the runoff set for September 23, the results will be watched closely as Georgia is expected to be a critical state in the upcoming midterms.
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Democrat leads Republican rivals by double digits in deep red Georgia race, the headline screams, and honestly, it’s the kind of news that makes you breathe a little easier these days. It offers a glimmer of hope, a suggestion that maybe, just maybe, things are shifting in the political landscape. Now, a lot hinges on the midterms, and the potential for some major Republican gerrymandering to backfire.
It’s worth remembering that red districts aren’t exclusively the domain of Republicans. The political terrain is fluid, and sometimes, the quality of the candidates themselves, as seen with figures like Herschel Walker, can significantly impact the outcome. The initial results of the Georgia state Senate special election are encouraging. Democrat Debra Shigley overperformed, which is a good sign, particularly in a special election. However, it’s important to consider the context. The Republican advantage remains.
The overperformance of Democrats in special elections this year, following their losses in the 2024 elections, is interesting to note. While special election victories don’t guarantee future wins, they suggest potential voter motivation. It is reasonable to be hopeful about the 2026 midterms, when Democrats might be trying to take back control of the House of Representatives and potentially the Senate. This is particularly true amid faltering approval ratings.
The voting patterns within the county also provide a deeper look. The high percentage of votes Shigley received in Alpharetta/Milton is quite remarkable. In Cherokee County, the shift towards a more Democratic leaning is encouraging. The question of how the 2024 election unfolded continues to come up.
Shigley secured 40% of the vote, while the Republican vote was divided among six candidates, totaling 60%. This means that there will be a runoff election. There are questions about whether most of those Republican votes will coalesce behind a single candidate in the run-off. It’s a critical factor, and the headline might be a little misleading.
The fact that Shigley is polling higher than the percentage that voted for Trump suggests there is a shift occurring. However, redistricting can certainly play a role in influencing elections. Republicans will soon learn the Trump brand is tainted. And it’s the type of development that could be a watershed moment.
It’s important to actually VOTE. The tactics like removing voters from the rolls. It really is a sign of the times. Remember, there’s always a chance for skullduggery.
She had a video that provided great info that included other elections, one being Alabama’s 11th House District. Alex Braswell (D) lost, but noted the importance of making “small strides.” Small wins matter. In a time when it seems the country is heading in the wrong direction, Democrats are still holding to a semblance of a peaceful republic.
Republicans are, in some ways, going all-in on a certain ideology. To continue pushing back against it, normal people need to keep showing up and voting. Unless enough Republicans change their minds, the Democrat is likely to lose by double digits in the runoff.
Some analysts say that Republicans aren’t calculating the changes in the vote from Latinos. There’s a very real possibility that their redistricting strategies could backfire. In Georgia, it’s more difficult.
I don’t get how people forget the problems with the Republicans. There is a risk that something like what we have seen in the past could happen. The recent moves by those in power make me wonder if we will actually have elections.
The parties have become closed primaries. This shuts out any dissent. And it’s a design.
The reality is that a Democrat got 39% of the vote. Once the Republicans coalesce, the Dem candidate is unlikely to win. It will likely be a landslide.
This is an irresponsible headline. The Democrat came out ahead because the GOP vote was split. It will be a blowout in the runoff. Cherokee has been making progress, but is still a staunch Republican county.
Biden’s 3/4 Ginsburg move. It was not as a grand conspiracy, and the result was what would be expected. The country has had some issues, including inflation and the struggle of voters.
The turnout was low. This election demonstrates the challenges ahead, and the need to get voters engaged. It’s not always what it seems.