Georgia’s June 16 primary runoffs give Democratic voters a second chance to choose the better nominee in several important races. Some of these endorsements reiterate positions CIVPAC took in the original primary. Others address runoff choices that have become clearer now that the field has narrowed.
One practical note: Georgia does not register voters by party, but voters may not switch parties between a primary and a runoff. If you voted a Democratic ballot in the May primary, you may vote only in the Democratic runoff. If you did not vote in the primary, or voted only a nonpartisan ballot, you may choose the Democratic runoff ballot.
CIVPAC is a nonpartisan organization. We endorse Democrats, Republicans, and independents when we believe they are the better choice for centrist independent voters. Our goal is not to help either party for its own sake. It is to support candidates who are more competent, more serious, more realistic, and more likely to move politics toward the center.
Runoffs often receive less attention than primaries, but they matter. In low-turnout elections, a small number of voters can determine who appears on the November ballot. Georgia voters should use that opportunity carefully.
Democratic Lieutenant Governor Runoff: CIVPAC Endorses Josh McLaurin
CIVPAC endorses Josh McLaurin in the Democratic runoff for lieutenant governor.
Both Democratic candidates have strengths. Nabilah Parkes has a compelling personal story and has focused on cost-of-living issues, health care, and working-class Georgians. But McLaurin is the better fit for CIVPAC’s approach to politics.
The lieutenant governor’s job requires more than advocacy. It requires the ability to work inside a legislature that is likely to remain at least partly controlled by Republicans. McLaurin has made that case directly, pointing to bipartisan legislative work and arguing that he can criticize Republicans while still maintaining enough respect to get work done.
That is the right test for this office. Georgia Democrats should nominate a candidate who can fight when necessary but also govern when possible.
CIVPAC endorses Josh McLaurin in the Democratic runoff.
Democratic Secretary of State Runoff: CIVPAC Endorses Penny Brown Reynolds
CIVPAC endorses Penny Brown Reynolds in the Democratic runoff for secretary of state.
Penny Brown Reynolds led the Democratic primary, while Dana Barrett finished second, sending the race to a runoff.
Reynolds has the stronger case for this office. The secretary of state should be someone who can speak to voters beyond the Democratic base, protect election integrity, and restore confidence without turning the office into a partisan platform.
CIVPAC’s concern in this race is simple: Georgia needs election administrators who are competent, steady, and able to defend fair elections in a politically divided state. Reynolds is the better choice in the Democratic runoff.
CIVPAC endorses Penny Brown Reynolds.
Georgia’s 1st Congressional District Democratic Runoff: CIVPAC Endorses Joyce Marie Griggs
CIVPAC endorses Joyce Marie Griggs in the Democratic runoff for Georgia’s 1st Congressional District.
Joyce Marie Griggs and Amanda Hollowell advanced to the June 16 Democratic runoff after neither candidate won a majority in the May primary.
This does not appear to be a race with a sharp ideological divide between the two Democrats. Both candidates speak to affordability, health care, education, and working families. CIVPAC’s preference is based more on experience, seriousness, and viability.
This is a difficult district for Democrats. That makes electability and coalition-building especially important. Griggs’s military, intelligence, and legal background gives her a stronger case as the Democrat better prepared to present a serious general-election challenge in a difficult district.
CIVPAC endorses Joyce Marie Griggs in the Democratic runoff.
Conclusion
CIVPAC’s endorsements in these Democratic runoffs are not based on party loyalty. They are based on the same standard we use in every race: which candidate is more likely to move politics toward competence, moderation, seriousness, and respect for democratic institutions?
Georgia’s June 16 runoffs will help determine the choices voters face in November. Democratic voters should participate and choose the more serious, responsible candidates in these races.
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