The battle lines in the Republican U.S. Senate runoff were drawn while the primary votes were still being tallied Tuesday night. Get ready to hear plenty about out-of-touch millionaire elitist David Perdue and career politician Jack Kingston.

The nine-week runoff for the right to face Democrat Michelle Nunn will be the longest — and very likely costliest — in state history. It figures to be a nasty fight between two Republicans who differ greatly in tone and experience, if not policy.

The outcome could help determine which party controls the U.S. Senate, as Republicans need to flip six seats to take charge and losing an open seat held by retiring Republican U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss would be a tremendous setback.

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With the closure of the labor and delivery unit in St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital in Lavonia, expectant mothers will instead be directed to deliver at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens, about 45 miles away.  (Photo Illustration / Getty Images)

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

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