Georgia’s elections on Tuesday are heating up, with a state Supreme Court race becoming unexpectedly contentious and a five-way GOP primary for an open seat in the 3rd Congressional District. Democratic congressional incumbents, U.S. Reps. David Scott and Lucy McBath, face primary challengers in districts that were redrawn by Republicans after redistricting lawsuits. Parties are choosing their nominees for various congressional and state legislative seats, as well as local offices.
In the state Supreme Court race, incumbent Justice Andrew Pinson, appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp in 2022, is seeking a six-year term. He is opposed by former Democratic congressman John Barrow. Barrow believes Georgians have a right to abortion under the state constitution, while Pinson has refrained from discussing issues to maintain a nonpartisan stance. The race has garnered attention, with Kemp and conservatives supporting Pinson, and Barrow suing a state judicial agency over free-speech rights.
In the 3rd Congressional District, five Republicans are vying for the nomination to succeed Republican U.S. Rep. Drew Ferguson. Former President Donald Trump has endorsed his onetime aide Brian Jack for the seat. On the Democratic side, Val Almonord and Maura Keller are competing for the nomination. The Republican nominee is expected to be the favorite in the strongly Republican district.
In the 13th Congressional District, David Scott is facing six Democratic challengers as he seeks a 12th term. The district has been significantly reconfigured, moving north and east into Rockdale County and parts of Newton and Gwinnett counties. Challengers are criticizing Scott as being too old and out of touch. Scott aims to enhance funding for historically Black colleges and provide more assistance to struggling homeowners.
In the 6th Congressional District, incumbent Lucy McBath is running in a new district for the second time in two years. McBath, whose son was shot to death, has made gun control and reducing gun violence her main focus. She also wants to work on reducing health care disparities. McBath faces primary opposition from Jerica Richardson and Mandisha Thomas. The Democratic winner will face Republican Jeff Criswell in November.
In the 2nd Congressional District, four Republicans are seeking the nomination to challenge 16-term Democratic incumbent Sanford Bishop Jr. Among the candidates are Wayne Johnson, who previously finished third in the Republican primary, and Chuck Hand, who pleaded guilty for illegally demonstrating in the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Bishop is unopposed on the Democratic ballot.
In the 14th Congressional District, four Democrats are competing for the nomination to challenge Republican incumbent Marjorie Taylor Greene. The Democrats are aligned in their distaste for Greene, who is a top ally of Trump. The winner will face an uphill battle in the heavily Republican district. Additionally, other races include Republican U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk facing a primary challenge and Democrats seeking nominees to challenge Republican incumbents in various districts across the state.
