Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Media Tip Sheets
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • University Statements
  • Syracuse University Impact
  • |
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • ’Cuse Conversations Podcast
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
Media Tip Sheets

Runoff Senate Elections in Georgia Could Determine Balance of the Senate

Friday, November 6, 2020, By News Staff
Share
Steven White

Steven White

As of Friday morning, there is no clear winner in the two Senate races in Georgia, meaning both races could advance to a runoff election on Jan. 5. This could leave the Senate in limbo when it reconvenes early next year, with neither party having a clear majority.

If you are looking for insight on the impact of potential run-off elections for both of Georgia’s Senate seats, consider Steven White, an assistant professor of political science at Syracuse University who has studied Southern politics extensively. White specializes in American politics, American political development, race and politics.

His remarks on this subject:

“If Democrats win the two Senate races in Georgia, their odds of being able to pass the legislation in their platform goes up dramatically. That said, even then this would still be constrained by the pivotal votes of more conservative Democrats like Senator Joe Manchin. If Democrats lose, though, their options are a lot more limited. Not only would they need the support of more moderate Republican senators like Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, they would also have to deal with agenda control by the Republican majority. Senator Mitch McConnell might simply try to keep bills from coming to a floor vote, even if there might very well be a bipartisan majority coalition in favor of them.

This also speaks to remarkable changes in the political environment of Georgia. Even in her loss to Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton only lost Georgia by about five points (similar to Obama’s 2008 loss margin). In the 2018 gubernatorial election, Stacey Abrams came within about a point and a half of defeating her Republican opponent, Brian Kemp. If Biden ends up ahead—and if the state elects one and possibly two Democratic senators—it would be an astonishing shift that brings to fruition the state’s gradual transition from being a red state to a purple one.”

Please consider Professor White as a resource should you be covering this issue. If you are interested in any further analysis, please contact:

Joshua Grossman
Director of Media Relations
Division of Communications and Marketing
T 202.227.9250 | M 310.383.1771
jmgrossm@syr.edu

  • Author

News Staff

  • Recent
  • Ian ’90 and Noah Eagle ’19 Share a Love of Sportscasting and Storytelling (Podcast)
    Thursday, June 5, 2025, By John Boccacino
  • Blackstone LaunchPad Founders Circle Welcomes New Members
    Thursday, June 5, 2025, By Cristina Hatem
  • Japan’s Crackdown on ‘Shiny’ Names Sparks Cultural Reflection
    Tuesday, June 3, 2025, By Keith Kobland
  • The Milton Legacy: Romance, Success and Giving Back
    Monday, June 2, 2025, By Eileen Korey
  • 5 Tips to Protect Your Health and Prepare for Worsening Air Conditions
    Monday, June 2, 2025, By Daryl Lovell

More In Media Tip Sheets

Japan’s Crackdown on ‘Shiny’ Names Sparks Cultural Reflection

In a move that’s turning heads both in Japan and abroad, the Japanese government is reportedly cracking down on so-called “shiny” names, unconventional names often inspired by pop culture references like “Pikachu” or “Nike” given to newborns. While some see…

5 Tips to Protect Your Health and Prepare for Worsening Air Conditions

The smoke from more than 100 Canadian wildfires is reaching many regions within the U.S., including as far south as Georgia. Air quality is deteriorating in the Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast, prompting health advisories in many cities. In Canada,…

Expert Available to Discuss DOD Acceptance of Qatari Jet

If you’re a reporter covering the U.S. Department of Defense’s acceptance of a luxury jet from Qatar, Alex Wagner, adjunct professor at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, is available for interviews. Please see his comments below….

Historian Offers Insight on Papal Transition and Legacy

As the Roman Catholic Church begins a new chapter under Pope Leo XIV, historians and scholars are helping the public interpret the significance of this moment. Among them is Margaret Susan Thompson, professor of history in the Maxwell School of…

From Policy to Practice: How AI is Shaping the Future of Education

President Trump recently signed an executive order focusing on educational opportunities surrounding artificial intelligence. Among other things, it establishes a task force to promote AI-related education and tools in the classroom. That is a major area of focus for Dr….

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • X
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2025 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.