WASHINGTON — Vice President Mike Pence is headed to Georgia on Friday to promote Republican U.S. Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler ahead of Jan. 5 runoffs that will decide control of the U.S. Senate.

Pence will campaign with the incumbents in two of the most important Republican strongholds in the state: A 12:30 p.m. stop in Canton and a 3:15 p.m. event in Gainesville, both north Georgia areas where GOP candidates aim to build big advantages to offset Democratic gains in metro Atlanta.

Pence first announced the visit during a closed-door luncheon with Senate Republicans last week. Afterward, a reporter asked Loeffler if she was looking forward to having Pence’s support in Georgia; the senator responded “yes” but did not elaborate.

The vice president is among a host of political leaders - including potential 2024 candidates - who are expected to travel to Georgia to promote the candidates. Already, U.S. Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio of Florida have campaigned with the two Republican incumbents at “defend the majority” rallies.

“I expect a lot of us are going to be going to Georgia next week,” North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis said.

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com