Democrats across the country celebrated the blue sweep of Georgia Senate seats as Rev Warnock and Jon Ossoff reversed two of the hardest fought races in recent history. Jubilant Black Georgia voters, who were largely responsible for swinging the race, can now reasonably hope to expect the passing of policies that benefit African Americans, especially as relates to racial justice, police accountability, voting rights reform and expanded health care access.
Jon Ossoff, the upstart, long-shot candidate for Georgia was elected to the Senate Wednesday in a wildly oscillating, edge-of-your seat nail biter. Democrats took control of Congress and the White House for the first time in a decade, delivering a massive blow to President Donald Trump and the Republicans, whose evening fell into disarray. Ossoff’s triumph followed that of fellow Georgian the Rev. Raphael Warnock, who easily beat Kelly Leoffler the previous night. Both races were the result of a runoff that was highly anticipated by both parties. The race was also significant because the wins come from a traditionally red state in the South. Flipping the seats blue was not only a major challenge, but an indication of shifting demographic trends that may not favor Republicans in the future. The reversal gives Joe Biden the mandate to potentially push through liberal legislation, judicial nominees and Cabinet picks without Republican support or hindrance. The party split in the Senate will be 50-50, with Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ vote breaking the tie.
Warnock and Ossoff will be the first Black and Jewish senators, respectively, to represent Georgia.
