ATLANTA — Georgia’s closely contested race for governor is taking center stage as Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican Rick Jackson await the outcome of Tuesday’s election.
Both candidates continued campaigning Monday evening, emphasizing voter turnout as Georgians prepare to decide who will lead the state for the next four years.
During a campaign event in Atlanta, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms encouraged Democratic supporters to continue their efforts despite strong early voting numbers.
“We still have thousands of calls to make and doors to knock on. Our turnout is looking great but it ain’t over until it’s over,” Bottoms said.
Bottoms has also held several campaign rallies with U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, who is seeking reelection against Republican challenger Mike Collins.
Meanwhile, Republican nominee Rick Jackson has been traveling across Georgia with outgoing Gov. Brian Kemp to encourage supporters to cast their ballots.
During a campaign stop in Cobb County, Jackson acknowledged the close race and stressed the importance of Election Day turnout.
“I’m very realistic. This is a very tight race, it’s tied at best right now,” Jackson said.
Jackson warned that his campaign could fall short if voters in rural and south Georgia do not participate.
“If people in rural Georgia and other places think ‘oh this is going to be easy’ and they don’t show up, we’re going to lose,” Jackson said.
More than 2.8 million Georgians have already cast their ballots, with election officials estimating that another million voters could participate Tuesday.
Voters must bring a photo ID to cast their ballots at polling locations.
Polls close at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Jonathan O’Brien contributed to this story.
