MIDTERMS: Georgia Senate Runoff To Cap Midterm Cycle

Georgians have gone to the ballot box for a fourth time in two years to vote in the Senate runoff between incumbent Democrat Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Republican Herschel Walker.

• Warnock has held a consistent polling lead since last month's midterm vote, which he won without crossing the 50% threshold required to prevent the race going to a runoff.
• Polling has generally fallen within the margin of error - indicating a tight race - but betting markets see Warnock as the firm favourite: Smarkets gives Warnock a 93% implied probability of winning.
• Polls close at 19:00 ET 00:00 GMT with unofficial results expected to be announced shortly thereafter.
• WaPo: "If prior runoff elections in the state are any indication, media organizations could announce a winner within hours of the polls closing."
• Previous runoffs in Georgia have seen results declared as early as 02:00 ET on election night.
• The race won't determine ultimate control of the Senate, but a Democrat win is seen as crucial to easing federal appointments, controlling Senate committees, and will provide Democrats a critical 51st Senate seat ahead of a grueling 2024 Senate map which is highly favourable to Republicans.