A former aide to former President Donald Trump is expected to win the Georgia congressional race on Tuesday, while a longstanding representative will likely win his 17th term in the United States House against a former Trump administration official.
These will be the state’s two most visible congressional races in an election with no statewide candidates on the ballot. Voters in Georgia will decide on three referendums, including one that limits rises in a home’s value for property tax purposes. However, the most competitive elections will be in a handful of state House districts, where Democrats hope to cut the Republican advantage.
Both major parties are competing in all 14 of Georgia’s congressional districts, where Republicans presently hold a 9-5 majority. Each party is expected to retain control of all of its present seats, which would not shift the balance of power in the finely divided United States House.
Brian Jack, a former Trump advisor, has put no gap between himself and his former employer as he seeks his first term in the House from Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District. The Republican-leaning district south and west of Atlanta is open because U.S. Rep. Drew Ferguson is retiring.
Jack, a 36-year-old Peachtree City native, was Trump’s political director before moving on to work for former US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Trump’s frequent backing and access to McCarthy’s financial network propelled Jack to victory in a competitive Republican primary. He will now face Democrat Maura Keller, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and Fayetteville resident.
She is running on a platform of abortion rights, improved veterans care, and higher pay, whereas Jack highlights his willingness to work with Trump on economic and immigration concerns.
In the next most visible race, Republican Wayne Johnson of Macon faces an uphill battle to oust longtime Democratic incumbent Sanford Bishop in southwest Georgia’s 2nd District.
Bishop was reelected in 2022, despite Republican aspirations of ending his lengthy reign. Johnson, who previously worked for the United States Department of Education, has promised to prioritize constituents’ economic well-being. The 2nd District encompasses 30 counties in southwest Georgia, extending into Columbus and Macon.
Bishop describes himself as a centrist, attracting primarily white farmers who power the rural economy and backing military outposts. His campaign focuses on his legislative accomplishments and how his seniority benefits him.
An endeavor is before all Georgia voters to reduce rising property tax costs by restricting how much of a home’s increasing value can be taxed. The state constitutional amendment would limit increases in a home’s value for tax purposes to the overall rate of inflation each year.
Supporters claim it will protect present homeowners from rising property taxes, but opponents argue that the caps will unfairly shift the burden to new homeowners, renters, and other property owners.
Georgia is one of eight states where voters will decide on property tax initiatives, demonstrating how growing tax rates are influencing politics across the country.
The Georgia Department of Revenue reports that the overall assessed value of property in Georgia increased by about 39% between 2018 and 2022. Most governments raised revenues without changing tax rates, expanding employee salaries and other expenditures.
Lawmakers suggested the amendment after hearing from citizens who were upset about increased tax rates. The protection would be valid for the duration of the person’s ownership of the residence. When a home is sold, the assessed value is reset to market value, and new homeowners benefit from the higher price cap.
Dozens of Georgia counties, towns, and school districts currently use local assessment caps. However, school administrations have expressed concern that the cap may deprive them of necessary money. Most school districts are unable to raise property taxes above a particular level.
To alleviate school concerns, the proposal gives local governments and school districts until March 1 to opt out. Any who do not comply will be subject to the cap indefinitely.
Aside from the presidential contest, Georgia’s most competitive elections this year are in just a few of the state’s 180 state House districts. Democrats are attempting to diminish the Republicans’ current 102-78 advantage in the lower chamber of the General Assembly.
Six districts in Fulton and Gwinnett counties are the most closely contested. Each party is attempting to seize three districts held by the other. Democrats have campaigned to repeal Georgia’s present abortion restrictions, tighten gun laws, and expand Medicaid to more low-income citizens. Republicans have emphasized their support for lower taxes, policing, and school choice.