Two years ago, Georgia’s U.S. Senate races captivated the nation. The sequel in 2022 is doing the same.

Democrat Raphael Warnock defeated incumbent Republican Kelly Loeffler in a January 2021 runoff, which helped give Democrats control of the U.S. Senate and a rare statewide win for the party. Now Warnock is set to face former University of Georgia football player Herschel Walker in a Dec. 6 runoff after neither crossed the 50% threshold needed to win the office in November. Warnock came closest with 49.4% to Walker’s 48.5%. Libertarian Chase Oliver won 2% in November but will not be in the runoff.

Polls continue to show a close race.

Warnock, who is the most prolific fundraiser in the Senate, has collected more than $166 million in campaign contributions this election cycle and has about $30 million in the bank. Walker has raised more than $57 million and has $10 million in the bank.

- Where the candidates for Georgia’s Senate seat stand on the issues

- Herschel Walker’s campaign in turmoil as adult son accuses him of violence, lying

- Georgia candidates draw battle lines ahead of November race

- Warnock’s record-breaking fundraising sends national message

- Herschel Walker’s business record reveals creditor lawsuits, exaggerated claims

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Poll worker Gamble Everett prepares machines in the voting area before the polls opened on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at the polling place at the Park Tavern, 500 10th Street NE in Atlanta. (John Spink/AJC)

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Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez