Stage Set for Decisive Senate Races in Georgia

Georgia voters will cast their ballots in two special U.S. Senate elections on Jan. 5 that will decide which political party controls the 50-member Congressional body. Incumbent Republican Sens. Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue are facing challenges from Democrats Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff; none of the four candidates gained 50% of the vote in the initial election, so state law requires that a "runoff" election — essentially a rematch — be held. With all other Senate races effectively decided, Republicans currently hold 50 seats to Democrats' 48. Wins for Warnock and Ossoff would create a straight 50-50 tie in the Senate, which would make the vice president the tie-breaking vote. Coverage on all sides has speculated about possible campaign and fundraising tactics to be used between now and January. Many reports focused on the Democrat candidates' calls for more debates, and the incumbents' apparent reluctance to the idea; some coverage also analyzed potential donors and fundraising sources for both parties.