GA ATHENS — Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker canvassed Georgia in a last-ditch effort to win over voters as the Democratic incumbent showed indications of gaining ground — and the GOP’s prospects of winning — ahead of the runoff election on Tuesday.
According to both parties on Tuesday, the closely split state is anticipating a close result. A Walker triumph is possible after a November election that exceeded expectations in other national contests.
But due to periodic polling and temperature checks of Democratic and GOP strategists, as well as Warnock’s victory in the first round of voting, he enters Election Day as at least a small favorite to win a full six-year term.
According to Jason Shepherd, a former chair of the Cobb County GOP, “I believe a lot of Republicans are hoping we’ll be pleasantly pleased, but there aren’t a lot of signals out there to base that on.” Just a lot of faith and optimism in things that are not seen. After all, it is the Christmas season.
Warnock had the busier schedule of the two over the weekend. He rushed to six events in different cities on Saturday and Sunday. He preached at Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he is the senior pastor, telling the congregation that “voting is a form of prayer.”
On the campaign road, Warnock issued frequent reminders that even a record-breaking turnout during the early voting period does not ensure victory. Democrats have been buoyed that some of their supporters have already cast ballots in the early voting period, indicating that Republicans will need to make up considerable ground on Election Day turnout.
We experienced a fantastic early voting period. But don’t spike the ball before you get to the end zone,” Warnock advised voters on Sunday night at the New Freedom Christian Center, an East Athens church with a large Black congregation. I want you to take this one home, please.
