A new poll commissioned by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and conducted by the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs shows close races, and a slight incumbent advantage in Georgia’s gubernatorial and US Senate races..
In the governor’s race, Gov. Brian Kemp leads Democrat Stacey Abrams by a five points, 48-43%. Among independent voters, Kemp and Abrams are nearly tied, with Kemp leading 33-30%.
Incumbent Sen. Raphael Warnock holds a three point lead over Republican Hershel Walker, 46-43%. Unlike Kemp however, Warnock holds a double-digit lead among independent voters, 38%-27%.
Around 3% of respondents say they would support Libertarian candidate Chase Oliver, a decision that could have major ramifications if the race remains close on Election Day. Georgia law requires candidates to get a majority of votes cast to avoid a runoff, meaning that a close race between Walker and Warnock, combined with Oliver’s performance, could see Warnock in the second runoff election of his short Senate career.
The poll surveyed 912 voters and has a margin of error of 3.3%.