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For a couple of years now, Georgia has had the reputation of being a purple state or at least a swing state. Recent election results have contributed to this narrative, but it’s not exactly the reality.
Georgiaismoreofaredstatethanmostpunditsarewillingtogiveitcreditfor;however,theoutsizeinfluenceofmetroAtlanta,otherurbanareas,andcollegetownshashelpedDemocratsgetmoreofalegupinrecentyears.Bepreparedforalotofbackgroundtofollow,butrecenthistorycanshowhowthe“purplestate”monikerdoesn’teasilyfitthePeachState.
Here’showthelastcoupleofelectionsgaveGeorgiathatpurple-statereputation.In2020,alotofsuburbanvotersdidn’tcareforthewayDonaldTrumpcriticizedGov.BrianKemp(R-Ga.)andthewayheopenedthestatebackupfromCOVIDlockdownsearlierthananyotherstate.ThatledtoalotofRepublicansstayinghomeorskippingthetopelectionontheballot.
Thespecterof2020electionshenanigansloomedoverthe2021Senaterunoff,inwhichbothofoursenatorswereupforreelection(oneinaregularelectionandtheotherinaspecialelection).Thankstoworrie
