Light turnout, but crucial runoffs set the tone for election day

It’s runoff election day here in Georgia and on today’s edition of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Patricia Murphy and Bill Nigut are keeping close watch on some of the tightest races in the state. AJC election reporter Mark Niesse gives a rundown of the races on today’s primary runoff ballots. The showdown that’s grabbed headlines pits former Trump administration official Brian Jack, who has won the endorsement of Donald Trump and an array of MAGA luminaries, against state senator Mike Dugan for the open seat in the 3rd congressional district. There are also eight legislative races up for grabs today, plus the primary runoff race for DeKalb County CEO, which will most likely be decided in today’s vote.

Later today Vice President Kamala Harris is back in Atlanta highlighting the Biden administration’s commitment to gun safety laws in a conversation with rapper Quavo, whose nephew was shot to death two years ago.  Former White House advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris, Jamal Simmons joins the podcast as the vice president returns to talk about the work to motivate Black voters to turn out at the polls for President Biden.

Plus, a shocking gun murder at South Georgia’s Smith State prison adds to the number of violent incidents occurring at Georgia prisons. Now, Governor Kemp has called for an outside organization to do a complete study of the ongoing problems in state penal institutions.

Links to today’s topics:

Here are the races on today's runoff ballots

Trump-backed Brian Jack faces Senator Mike Dugan in GOP runoff

Harris to headline Juneteenth block party

VP and Quavo meet for talk on ending gun violence

How a murder/suicide at Smith State prison shocked state officials

Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the listener mailbag segment on next Friday's episode. 

Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” 

Credits

Executive Producer- Shane Backler

Producer- Natalie Mendenhall

Engineer- Matt McWilliams

Editor- Matt Owen

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