Many incumbents from both parties have gone unchallenged, but several high-profile contests will be decided by the vote. If no candidate in the primary earns a majority of votes, the two top vote-getters will square off in a July 22 runoff. Here is a breakdown of some of the top contests to watch:
GOVERNOR
Gov. Nathan Deal, seeking a second term, has traveled the state telling voters his policies are growing the economy and improving schools. He faces a challenge from two longtime GOP rivals. Former Dalton Mayor David Pennington says the incumbent is not cutting taxes and spending aggressively enough. State Schools Superintendent John Barge says he would bring a renewed focus on education into the governor’s office. Both challengers trail in polls and fundraising but hope to force a runoff.Democratic state Sen. Jason Carter, the grandson of a former president, faces no primary challenge and will become his party’s nominee. Ditto for Libertarian Andrew Hunt, a technology executive.
SENATE
Seven Republicans are in the race to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss. U.S. Reps. Paul Broun, Phil Gingrey and Jack Kingston are leaving the House to compete for the open seat, each pledging to be a solid conservative vote. Former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel has cast herself as an outsider who will shake up Washington. And David Perdue, a former Fortune 500 executive, hopes to capitalize on his business record. Two lesser-known Republicans, Art Gardner and Derrick Grayson, are also in the running.Michelle Nunn, a nonprofit executive who is the daughter of former U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn, instantly became the Democratic front-runner when she entered the race last year. She faces challenges from Atlanta psychiatrist Branko Radulovacki, former state Sen. Steen Miles and Todd Robinson, a high school ROTC director.
The nominees will face Libertarian Amanda Swafford, a former Flowery Branch councilwoman, in November.
