In the evolving landscape of American politics, Georgia has emerged as an unexpected battleground, signaling a shift in its traditional ideology. Long considered a Republican stronghold (before 2020, the state had only gone for Democratic Presidential Candidates twice since 1978), recent elections, especially the 2020 General Election and 2022 Midterms, have shattered that narrative. This transformation seems more than a temporary blip; instead, it is evidence of a more profound shift within Georgia’s society and culture.
The roots of this shift are complex. Over the past 15 years, demographic changes have altered the GA electorate, resulting primarily from an increase in the state’s population diversity combined with an influx of residents from other states. Atlanta’s reputation as “Little Hollywood” has drawn in more liberal individuals from states such as California and New York. Urbanization, mainly in and around Atlanta, has brought a more progressive viewpoint to previously conservative areas of the state. Meanwhile, grassroots civic groups, such as those spearheaded by perennial Gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, have been remarkably successful in engaging with previously underrepresented communities.
Our state’s newfound political relevance was never more apparent than from November 2020 to January 2021. In a historic sweep, GA voted for a Democratic presidential candidate for the first time since Clinton’s first election in 1992, and followed that up by electing two Democrats to the Senate, enough to shift the balance of power towards the liberal party. The key is that these elections in Georgia did not only affect Georgia herself; our decisions had major ramifications for national politics. This fact signals Georgia’s growing role moving forward.
Much attention is now being paid to Georgia politics not only by individuals but also by national political parties and political donors. Political investment in Georgia has grown exponentially. For example, in 2022, approximately $146.3 million was spent on the GA Senate race. In 2020, Jon Ossoff and David Perdue combined for a whopping $513.9 million. $100 million has been spent already this year on the 2024 elections in Georgia, a whole 7 months before Election Day. This investment serves as recognition that both parties know winning Georgia’s electorate over may be the key to political power.
The state’s meteoric rise has not been without its challenges, however. Allegations of voter suppression, concerns over election integrity, and the severity of political polarization remain potent forces in Georgia. The state has become not just an electoral battleground but also a philosophical one. The debate on the future of American democracy rages on within our capital, Atlanta. Even so, within these challenges lie opportunities for Georgians to lead on national policy, from social to economic issues, by leveraging its newfound notoriety and power to influence outcomes across the country.
Georgia’s journey from Republican bastion to critical swing state reflects broader national trends and the ever-changing face of American governance. As we continue to navigate our new reality, your participation and civic engagement are now more important than ever. Our impact on the country will be shaped by the voices, opinions, and votes of people right here at home.
In this new era, we must prioritize staying informed, becoming engaged, and remaining active in the political process. Georgia’s role in the national landscape underscores the power of every vote and the critical nature of civic participation. As Georgians, the opportunity to influence the direction of not only our state, but the country, is in our hands, a call to action that resonates with the very ideals at the heart of our democracy.
Drew S. Cagle, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Political Science in the Department of Social Sciences at College of Coastal Georgia. He is an associate scholar at the Reg Murphy Center for Economic and Policy Studies. He can be reached by email at dcagle@ccga.edu.
Reg Murphy Center