Politics

It’s qualifying week and Georgia Democrats are set to make a statement

Democratic candidates for governor Stacey Abrams (left) and Stacey Evans (right) greet supporters after their first forum last October. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com
Democratic candidates for governor Stacey Abrams (left) and Stacey Evans (right) greet supporters after their first forum last October. Curtis Compton/ccompton@ajc.com
March 5, 2018

A parade of candidates will pour into the Georgia Capitol this week to qualify for legislative races and statewide offices, and a wave of retirements and newly-competitive contests could reshape the political map.

Democrats hope to capitalize on frustration with President Donald Trump and upset victories in last year’s special elections to chip away at GOP control of the state Legislature and every statewide office.

The GOP is fast trying to fortify vulnerable seats — Vice President Mike Pence is raising cash for the state party this month in Atlanta — though even party stalwarts concede that won’t come easy.

Keep reading: ‘They’re going to make us earn everything we get this election,’ said one GOP operative.

About the Author

Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.

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