The Balance of Power
By Catherine Delgado and Priya Kamath
The Georgia Runoff election will determine the American balance of power for years to come.
Introduction
Legislative, executive, and judicial. The effectiveness and functionality of the United States federal government are dependent on the balance of power between the three branches of government. Whether stimulus packages are passed, judicial nominees are confirmed, spending policies are enacted, and so much more, are all relying on the balance of power. Whoever controls certain branches of government also determines the directionality of the nation. Every two years, the balance of power is at stake. Every two years, political control is put up to a vote. This year, the stakes are even higher.
Prior to the 2020 election, the Republican party held the presidency and a 53-to-47 majority over the Senate. As of December 7th, the Republican party holds 50 seats in the Senate, while the Democratic party holds 48 (including two independents who caucus with Democrats). The remaining two Senate seats will be decided through two run-off elections in Georgia.
What is a run-off?
This past November, none of the candidates for Georgia’s Senators won at least 50 percent of the vote (the required majority to win). Thus under Georgia law, the Senate election must be decided in another run-off election on January 5th, 2021. In these elections, only the top two candidates will be running.
So, who are these candidates?
Prior to the 2020 election, the Republican party held the presidency and a 53-to-47 majority over the Senate. As of December 7th, the Republican party holds 50 seats in the Senate, while the Democratic party holds 48 (including two independents who caucus with Democrats). The remaining two Senate seats will be decided through two run-off elections in Georgia.
What is a run-off?
This past November, none of the candidates for Georgia’s Senators won at least 50 percent of the vote (the required majority to win). Thus under Georgia law, the Senate election must be decided in another run-off election on January 5th, 2021. In these elections, only the top two candidates will be running.
So, who are these candidates?
Senate Race 1 (Ossoff/ Perdue)
In the first Senate race for this election, Republican Senator David Perdue and Democrat Jon Ossoff are running for the position.
David Perdue is the incumbent Senator, facing reelection for his seat. A former businessman, Perdue has not held a public office until his election to the U.S. Senate in 2014. Since then, Perdue has devoted himself to national security, foreign affairs, armed services, and spending policies. Perdue has served in committees focusing on these domains. “David is a champion for term limits for politicians, reining in out-of-control spending, growing the economy, and tackling our nation’s debt crisis.” (David Perdue United States Senator for Georgia website). Through his actions and committee work over his first term as Senator, David Perdue has established himself as a pillar for Republican global security and economic ideals in the nation. He remains an influential figure in the resolution of the national debt and global security crisis. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Perdue has also emphasized his former business career and economic background to promote COVID-19 and economic relief. He claims that he can deliver a “historic economic turnaround” (Ballotpedia) to the United States. Lastly, David Perdue is against defunding the police, voting rights for illegal immigrants, and D.C. statehood.
Jon Ossoff is the candidate challenging David Perdue. Prior to this election, Ossoff was an investigative journalist; his work helped to expose corruption, organized crime, and war crimes on a global scale. In addition to media production and journalism, Ossoff was a former national security aide to Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson. Similar to Perdue, Ossoff’s areas of expertise included foreign affairs, economic policy, and national security. Now, Jon Ossoff is running on an extensive and comprehensive platform. His website focuses on issues ranging from clean energy and infrastructure to abortion rights to criminal justice reform, but Ossoff’s main focuses are the economy and the broken campaign finance system. Believing that corporate PACs and political contributions corrupt politicians, Ossoff centers his message around policies that are effective, timely, and directly help the common people. He supports affordable healthcare, free vocational training, and debt-free public college; Ossoff aims to revitalize the economy and emphasize sustainability within the United States.
The issues mentioned in the previous paragraphs are non-exhaustive. Please refer to the candidates’ websites to learn more about their political platforms and their efforts to address the most prominent of today’s issues.
David Perdue is the incumbent Senator, facing reelection for his seat. A former businessman, Perdue has not held a public office until his election to the U.S. Senate in 2014. Since then, Perdue has devoted himself to national security, foreign affairs, armed services, and spending policies. Perdue has served in committees focusing on these domains. “David is a champion for term limits for politicians, reining in out-of-control spending, growing the economy, and tackling our nation’s debt crisis.” (David Perdue United States Senator for Georgia website). Through his actions and committee work over his first term as Senator, David Perdue has established himself as a pillar for Republican global security and economic ideals in the nation. He remains an influential figure in the resolution of the national debt and global security crisis. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Perdue has also emphasized his former business career and economic background to promote COVID-19 and economic relief. He claims that he can deliver a “historic economic turnaround” (Ballotpedia) to the United States. Lastly, David Perdue is against defunding the police, voting rights for illegal immigrants, and D.C. statehood.
Jon Ossoff is the candidate challenging David Perdue. Prior to this election, Ossoff was an investigative journalist; his work helped to expose corruption, organized crime, and war crimes on a global scale. In addition to media production and journalism, Ossoff was a former national security aide to Georgia Congressman Hank Johnson. Similar to Perdue, Ossoff’s areas of expertise included foreign affairs, economic policy, and national security. Now, Jon Ossoff is running on an extensive and comprehensive platform. His website focuses on issues ranging from clean energy and infrastructure to abortion rights to criminal justice reform, but Ossoff’s main focuses are the economy and the broken campaign finance system. Believing that corporate PACs and political contributions corrupt politicians, Ossoff centers his message around policies that are effective, timely, and directly help the common people. He supports affordable healthcare, free vocational training, and debt-free public college; Ossoff aims to revitalize the economy and emphasize sustainability within the United States.
The issues mentioned in the previous paragraphs are non-exhaustive. Please refer to the candidates’ websites to learn more about their political platforms and their efforts to address the most prominent of today’s issues.
Senate Race 2 (Loeffler/Warnock)
In the second Georgia senate race, Reverend Raphael Warnock competes with Incumbent Kelly Loeffler.
In December of 2019, former senator Johnny Isakson resigned due to health concerns. Subsequently, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp appointed Kelly Loeffler to the position. As a result, this special election will determine the occupant of Georgia’s senate until the regularly scheduled 2022 election.
Senator Kelly Loeffler, co-owner of the Atlanta Dream WNBA team, looks to hold her current position as a US senator. She is a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Education, Labor & Pensions, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry, Committee on Health, and the Joint Economic Committee. On the campaign trail, she emphasizes her support for Donald J. Trump, championing her record of voting in accordance with the sitting president. She supports the expansion of 2nd amendment rights, pro life ideals, preserving private health insurance, and securing the border. She notably stated, of Democrats and Warnock at a runoff debate, "Chuck Schumer said it best, 'Now we take Georgia, then we change America.' They would increase our taxes, open our borders, socialize our healthcare, and my opponent, radical liberal Raphael Warnock, is his agent of change."
Reverend Raphael Warnock challenges Kelly Loeffler for her seat in the senate. Warnock has served as the Senior Pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, historically co-pastored by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, since 2005. Reverend Warnock is a well known figure in Georgia, as he has been recognized as one of “Atlanta’s 55 Most Powerful” by Atlanta magazine and one of the “Top 10 Most Influential Black Ministers” by Loop 21. On the campaign trail, Warnock emphasizes the importance of faith and community, especially given his modest upbringing as the 11th of 12th children in a family raised in housing projects. In terms of policy, Warnock supports environmental justice, prison and police reform, affordable healthcare, reproductive rights, and equality for members of the LGBTQ+ community. If elected to this position, Reverend Warnock would be the first black senator from Georgia.
In December of 2019, former senator Johnny Isakson resigned due to health concerns. Subsequently, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp appointed Kelly Loeffler to the position. As a result, this special election will determine the occupant of Georgia’s senate until the regularly scheduled 2022 election.
Senator Kelly Loeffler, co-owner of the Atlanta Dream WNBA team, looks to hold her current position as a US senator. She is a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Education, Labor & Pensions, Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, & Forestry, Committee on Health, and the Joint Economic Committee. On the campaign trail, she emphasizes her support for Donald J. Trump, championing her record of voting in accordance with the sitting president. She supports the expansion of 2nd amendment rights, pro life ideals, preserving private health insurance, and securing the border. She notably stated, of Democrats and Warnock at a runoff debate, "Chuck Schumer said it best, 'Now we take Georgia, then we change America.' They would increase our taxes, open our borders, socialize our healthcare, and my opponent, radical liberal Raphael Warnock, is his agent of change."
Reverend Raphael Warnock challenges Kelly Loeffler for her seat in the senate. Warnock has served as the Senior Pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, historically co-pastored by Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, since 2005. Reverend Warnock is a well known figure in Georgia, as he has been recognized as one of “Atlanta’s 55 Most Powerful” by Atlanta magazine and one of the “Top 10 Most Influential Black Ministers” by Loop 21. On the campaign trail, Warnock emphasizes the importance of faith and community, especially given his modest upbringing as the 11th of 12th children in a family raised in housing projects. In terms of policy, Warnock supports environmental justice, prison and police reform, affordable healthcare, reproductive rights, and equality for members of the LGBTQ+ community. If elected to this position, Reverend Warnock would be the first black senator from Georgia.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
Donations
Given that most of our readers and listeners do not live in Georgia, one of the best ways we can make a direct impact on campaigns is through individual donations. Donation money directly funds campaigns, as it is used to cover the expenses of media, strategy research, administration, and more.
Volunteering
Another way to contribute to campaigns is by donating your time. Volunteers help campaigns build networks, canvass, and engage voters. Even if you do not live in Georgia, there are ways you can volunteer across state lines! These opportunities include phone banking, text banking, writing postcards, and spreading the word online.
Spread the Word
One of the biggest problems with runoff elections is low voter turnout. On average, 35% fewer voters turn out for run-off elections, compared to general and primary elections. Given this, another way our audience can contribute to the Georgia run-off election is by staying informed, and spreading the word. Maybe this means telling your relatives about the upcoming election. Maybe this entails re-sharing posts on social media. However you go about doing it, spreading the word can affect voter turnout, and maybe even push others to donate their time and money to the election.
Given that most of our readers and listeners do not live in Georgia, one of the best ways we can make a direct impact on campaigns is through individual donations. Donation money directly funds campaigns, as it is used to cover the expenses of media, strategy research, administration, and more.
- David Perdue: https://secure.winred.com/david-perdue/perdueforsenate
- Kelly Loeffler: https://secure.winred.com/georgians-for-kelly/homepage-donate
- Jon Ossoff: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ms_hp_ossoff
- Rev. Warnock: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/warnock-for-georgia_web
Volunteering
Another way to contribute to campaigns is by donating your time. Volunteers help campaigns build networks, canvass, and engage voters. Even if you do not live in Georgia, there are ways you can volunteer across state lines! These opportunities include phone banking, text banking, writing postcards, and spreading the word online.
- David Perdue: https://perduesenate.com/get-involved/volunteer/
- Kelly Loeffler: https://kellyforsenate.com/get-involved/
- Jon Ossoff: https://electjon.com/action/
- Rev. Warnock: https://warnockforgeorgia.com/take-action/
Spread the Word
One of the biggest problems with runoff elections is low voter turnout. On average, 35% fewer voters turn out for run-off elections, compared to general and primary elections. Given this, another way our audience can contribute to the Georgia run-off election is by staying informed, and spreading the word. Maybe this means telling your relatives about the upcoming election. Maybe this entails re-sharing posts on social media. However you go about doing it, spreading the word can affect voter turnout, and maybe even push others to donate their time and money to the election.
CONCLUSION
The outcomes of the Georgia senate runoff elections will determine the balance of power in our country for years to come. Thank you for reading this article, and please continue to stay informed and get involved!!
Podcast episode can be found here.
Podcast episode can be found here.