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Trump's Divisive Stance Imperils Georgia Republicans, Threatens Senate Control

Strategic Insights

— 3 min read

As President Donald Trump continues his onslaught against Republican officials in charge of the elections in Georgia, the state's two senators, Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, have been torn between their loyalty to Trump and the need to win their elections. The stakes are high, with the control of the US Senate hanging in the balance.

The situation is complex, with both Republican candidates facing significant advantages despite recent controversy surrounding Trump's refusal to concede the presidential election. In November, Perdue received over 88,000 more votes than Democratic opponent Jon Ossoff, while Loeffler and the other Republican candidates received more votes than the Rev. Raphael Warnock and the other Democratic candidates in the special election. However, Republicans are worried that Trump's attacks on Gov. Brian Kemp and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger have been "counterproductive for trying to motivate grassroots, base Republicans to go vote," according to Heath Garrett, a campaign manager for former Georgia Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson.

The elections in Georgia have attracted enormous attention due to the stakes for the first years of the Biden administration and the state's shift from red to purple. Biden's victory in the state was the first for a Democratic presidential candidate since 1996. Dr. Charles Bullock, a University of Georgia political science professor, told CNN that the Senate elections could be the first in which urban Georgia casts more votes than rural Georgia.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Trump's ongoing onslaught against Republican officials in charge of the elections in Georgia has imperiled the party's hold on the Senate.
  • The two Republican senators, Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, have been torn between their loyalty to Trump and the need to win their elections.
  • Despite recent controversy, Loeffler and Perdue received more votes than their Democratic opponents in the special election earlier this year.
  • Trump's attacks on Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger have been deemed "counterproductive" by campaign manager Heath Garrett.
  • The elections in Georgia have attracted enormous attention due to the stakes for the first years of the Biden administration and the state's shift from red to purple.
  • Biden's victory in the state was the first for a Democratic presidential candidate since 1996.
  • The Senate elections could be the first in which urban Georgia casts more votes than rural Georgia.
  • Over 3 million people have voted early in the runoff elections, shattering previous state runoff records.
  • Political groups spent about $520 million to advertise in the two runoff races, with Republicans outspending Democrats by tens of millions of dollars.

Statistics:

  • Perdue received over 88,000 more votes than Democratic opponent Jon Ossoff in November.
  • Loeffler and the other Republican candidates received more votes than the Rev. Raphael Warnock and the other Democratic candidates in the special election.
  • Over 3 million people have voted early in the runoff elections.
  • Political groups spent about $520 million to advertise in the two runoff races.
  • Republicans outspent Democrats by tens of millions of dollars.
  • Biden's victory in Georgia was the first for a Democratic presidential candidate since 1996.

Sources:

  • CNN: President Donald Trump has torn apart the Republican Party that ruled Georgia for nearly two decades, imperiling its candidates in two elections on Tuesday that will determine the control of the US Senate.
  • The Washington Post: Trump recently appeared to pressure Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger on a private call, urging him to "find" enough votes to reverse the results.
  • Dr. Charles Bullock, University of Georgia political science professor: The Senate elections could be the first in which urban Georgia casts more votes than rural Georgia.
  • Seth Bringman, spokesman for Fair Fight Action: We've seen tremendous enthusiasm in the early voting numbers, both in person and by mail, and we know that while Democrats will have a lead when polls open ... Republicans are expected to have a strong Election Day.
  • Kantar Media/CMAG: Political groups spent about $520 million to advertise in the two runoff races.
  • Heath Garrett, campaign manager for former Georgia Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson: Trump's attacks on Gov. Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger have been "counterproductive" for trying to motivate grassroots, base Republicans to go vote.

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