Tuesday’s Georgia Runoff Features Important Federal, Statewide Races

Georgia voters head to the polls on Tuesday to cast their ballots for critical federal, state, and legislative offices prior to the general election on Nov. 3. 

A runoff follows a primary election when no candidate successfully secures the 50% threshold required to win. 

This year is unique because top officeholders across the state are either term-limited or pursuing other offices. Gov. Brian Kemp’s term is expiring shortly, while Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones are seeking other offices.

While all the races are important, the race for U.S. Senate is especially critical for Republicans who want to hold their Senate majority and replace Democrat Sen. Jon Ossoff.

Other key races to watch include the races for governor, lieutenant governor, and secretary of state.  

U.S. Senate

In the race for Senate, Rep. Mike Collins, congressman for Georgia’s 10th Congressional District, and Derek Dooley, former college football coach, will go head-to-head in the primary runoff.

According to a poll conducted by JMC Analytics from May 26-27, Collins held a 10-point lead against Dooley. However, an Insider Advantage poll conducted June 13-14 has Collins up only two points, 48%-46%.

In a Truth Social post from June 14, President Donald Trump endorsed Collins, touting his dedication to the America First movement. Dooley, on the other hand, was endorsed by Kemp, who stated that an outsider like Dooley would fare well for the state.

The winner of the primary runoff will go head-to-head against Sen. Jon Ossoff, the Democratic incumbent for the race. 

It is no surprise that Collins, an incumbent, leads in many of the polls. Colleagues have nicknamed him the “conservative workhorse,” and, prior to holding office, he held successful positions in various industries including trucking.

Collins is also well known for his introduction of the Laken Riley Act following the murder of Augusta University nursing student Laken Riley by an illegal immigrant. Following its enactment, Collins has continued to fight for the safety and well-being of all Americans.

Ossoff, the current senator, is polling well, with as much as a 9-point lead versus his Republican challengers.

Ossoff has attempted to appeal both sides of the political aisle by claiming to be a moderate Democrat. However, his rivals in the race say his claims are far from true. During their most recent debate, Collins and Dooley both pointed to Ossoff’s votes to suggest he’s a far-left politician.

Governor’s Race

Healthcare executive Rick Jackson and Lt. Gov. and Burt Jones will face off in Georgia’s hotly contested governor’s race.

The two candidates are running neck-and-neck race, with a 1% margin difference, according to JMC Analytics. The newer InsiderAdvantage poll conducted over the weekend has Jackson leading 49%-46%.

What differs for the candidates, however, is the endorsements they have received. Jones received Trump’s endorsement in August of 2025. On Sunday, Kemp also endorsed the lieutenant governor for the office.

The winner of Tuesday’s runoff will face Democrat candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former Atlanta mayor, in the general election.

Lieutenant Governor

In Georgia, as in many states, the lieutenant governor serves as the leader of the state Senate, tasked with delegating bills to various committees and directing members to vote on legislation

Running on the Republican ticket are Georgia state Sen. Greg Dolezal and John F. Kennedy, the former president pro tempore of the state Senate. In 2019, Dolezal assumed the title of chief deputy majority whip in the Georgia Senate, while Kennedy’s resume includes his law degree and experience as a lawyer.

On the Democratic Party ticket is Josh McLaurin, a current state senator, and Nabilah Parkes, a former member of the state Senate. Parkes is also the founder and owner of NAI Consulting, while McLaurin earned a law degree from Yale.

The winner of from each party’s primary runoff will go head-to-head for the general election on Nov. 3.  

Secretary of State

The secretary of state plays an important role in the Peach State, with responsibilities ranging from ensuring election integrity to the oversight and maintenance of public records.

This year, the Republican ticket includes Tim Fleming, a current member of the Georgia House of Representatives, and Vernon Jones, a former state representative. Jones, who recently turned Republican, worked as the chief executive officer of Dekalb County, while Fleming served as the chief of staff during Kemp’s tenure.

For the Democrat ticket, Dana Barrett, a representative of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, is up against Penny Brown Reynolds, a former judge.

The candidate with the most votes from each party will run against each other in the general election.