Emory political expert says midterms’ message was ‘very, very clear’

ATLANTA, Ga. — Democrats in Georgia rode the blue wave Tuesday as the party swept statewide offices, including wins for governor-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms and Sen. Jon Ossoff.

“We have completed one leg of this journey, and the next leg will be for us to lead the state and to deliver on all the things that we have promised to do,” Bottoms said.

Democrats nationwide campaigned on promises for better healthcare and more widespread affordability in an economy where gas and grocery prices are through the roof.

Emory University political scientist Andra Gillespie said, “the message of last night was very, very clear. Voters are dissatisfied with the direction of the country.”

Gillespie believes more work needs to be done.

“[Bottoms] and the other state constitutional offices need to come up with a plan to address the most pressing issues that Georgians face, and at the top of that list are going to be issues related to affordability,” Gillespie said.

Both Ossoff and Bottoms made campaign promises on affordability, including expanding Medicaid, lowering prescription costs and increasing affordable housing. Bottoms is also proposing a permanent reduction of the state gas tax.

“What Democrats now have is an opportunity to govern, and they have an opportunity to show how life will be different under their management,” Gillespie said.

Gillespie also says she doesn’t expect the Republican Party to give up so easily.

“I would expect that Republicans are not going to go down without a fight, and they’re going to be looking for strong challengers,” Gillespie said.