Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 16
Georgia, Alabama Hold June 16 Runoffs After Candidates Fell Short of 50%
Updated
Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 16

Georgia, Alabama Hold June 16 Runoffs After Candidates Fell Short of 50%

3 articles · Updated · USA TODAY · Jun 16

Summary

  • Georgia and Alabama voters head to June 16 primary runoffs for Senate, House and governor races after no candidate cleared the 50% threshold in May.
  • Turnout is the central variable: political scientist Enrijeta Shino said runoffs usually draw fewer voters, and the key question is which candidates can bring supporters back in a low-turnout election.
  • Georgia's marquee GOP Senate runoff pits Rep. Mike Collins, who won 40.5% in May and drew Trump's late endorsement, against Derek Dooley, who had backing from Gov. Brian Kemp's allies; the winner faces Sen. Jon Ossoff.
  • Alabama's top contest is the GOP Senate runoff to replace Tommy Tuberville, with Rep. Barry Moore at 39.2% in May against Jared Hudson at 25.6%; strict voting rules there could further shape who returns to the polls.
  • The runoffs will help set November matchups as Republicans try to protect a narrow Capitol Hill majority, with additional contests also unfolding in Oklahoma, California and Washington, D.C.

Insights

What do today's results reveal about the candidate traits Republican voters value most for general election success?
How are wealthy, self-funded candidates faring against rivals with major presidential endorsements in these southern runoffs?