If you needed any proof that Republicans are worried about a looming runoff, look no further than Sunday’s gubernatorial debate.

That’s when Gov. Nathan Deal, instead of lobbing a softball at his Libertarian rival, unloaded a double-barreled attack questioning his support for a Medicaid expansion and criticizing the millions of dollars in federal grants his technology firms accepted.

Georgia Democrats and Republicans are warily eyeing the third-party candidates in the two races atop the ballot, mindful that voters could be headed to two more grueling contests if no candidate tops 50 percent on Nov. 4. They are worried for very different reasons.

About the Author

Keep Reading

The SNAP program provided benefits to about 13% of Georgia’s population, 1.4 million people, during the 2024 fiscal year. (Associated Press)

Credit: Sipa USA via AP

Featured

Rebecca Ramage-Tuttle, assistant director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, says the the DOE rule change is “a slippery slope” for civil rights. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC