June 21st runoff to decide statewide Democratic nominees

With Republican nominees for statewide office already decided, there are still Democratic candidates campaigning to become the party’s nominee. Each must spend their time wisely as they convince voters why they are the better choice to represent them in the fall. Four statewide Democratic races in the runoff are Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Labor Commissioner, and Insurance Commissioner.

As we enter the month of June, the temperature outside is not the only gauge heating up. With the days quickly ticking down to the June 21 runoff date, candidates are crisscrossing the state to secure voters, while supporters are lining up and endorsements are being made daily to push their candidate of choice forward. The winner awaits the opportunity to face the Republican nominee during the General Election in November.

With other states around the country deciding political races by the top vote-getter, Georgia is one of only 12 states to use runoffs to decide elections. Under Georgia law, candidates must secure a majority of the votes to win an election. If no candidate breaks 50%, the top two vote-getters face off in a runoff election to determine the winner. If a runoff is necessary only the voters who cast ballots on May 24, during the Primary Election, are eligible to vote in the runoff. Georgia has scheduled the runoff election for Tuesday, June 21. Voters can vote absentee, during early voting, or on election day.

With these election laws in place, the next few weeks are critical for Democratic statewide candidates trying to come out on top for the runoff.

Topping the list are two runoff candidates vying to become the Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor, Kwanza Hall, and Charlie Bailey. Hall was the top vote-getter with 30.1% of the vote. Hall spent a number of years on the Atlanta City Council and served briefly in the U.S. House following the death of Congressman John Lewis. Bailey, a former Fulton County Assistant DA, ran unsuccessfully in 2018 for Georgia Attorney General.

Candidates on the ballot for other offices include Secretary of State candidates Dee Dawkins-Haigler and Bee Nguyen; Commissioner of Insurance candidates Raphael Baker and Janice Laws Robinson and Commissioner of Labor candidates William “Will” Boddie Jr. and Nicole Horn.

Absentee voting is underway and ends June 10th. Early voting will be held Monday, June 13, through Friday, June 17. Check your local Elections Office for the dates, times, and locations for voting in the runoff.