Electoral Circumstances

Electoral Circumstances

2018 Midterms

In 2016, Republican Tom Price won the general election against Democrat Rodney Stooksbury. In the special election in 2017, Karen Handel beat Jon Ossoff.

During the 2018 Democratic primary election, Lucy McBath won 53.8% of the vote, beating opponent Kevin Abel for the nomination.

The general election was a battle between Republican incumbent Karen Handel and Democrat Lucy McBath. For most of the night of the vote, Handel maintained a slight lead, but this turned to McBath's favor once all of the precincts had been reported. Lucy Mcbath won with 50.5 percent of the vote while Handel lost with 49.5 percent. Before McBath, there hadn't been a Democrat representing Georgia's Sixth District since 1979.

The victory could be an anomaly or could be indicative of a newly changing electorate. It is likely that the next election will be a toss-up as well. The district has historically leaned Republican, and McBath could be voted out for this reason. However, incumbents are, in general, more likely to win reelection, and the electorate must have liked McBath in 2018, so she has a good chance in the next election.

The Issues/Campaign Finance

Lucy McBath raised $2.6 million for the 2018 midterm election. Much of this funding came from pro-choice groups, Democratic groups, African American advocacy groups, gun control groups, and even Delta Air Lines (where she was previously employed for thirty years).

The main issue McBath centered her campaign around was that of addressing gun violence. During the debate on October 23rd, 2018, McBath further highlighted her positions supporting the #MeToo Movement, more healthcare, and advocacy of immigration. She often railed against Handel as a "career politician."