One of the most future-deciding national events is the United States 2022 Midterm election, which took place this past Nov. 8. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the 100 seats in the Senate were up for grabs. There were also numerous state and local elections within the state. Although most of the student body could not vote in this election, it is essential to know who the candidates are and what is happening within our government.

For Georgia, the Senate race consisted of three candidates: Republican Hershel Walker, Democrat Raphael Warnock, and Libertarian Chase Oliver. However, due to party affiliation, Republicans and Democrats always dominate the polls meaning the election really is Walker versus Warnock. 

Republican Hershel Walker was a past Georgia Bulldog football player. After being diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) he dedicated his life, and ultimately his campaign, to mental health. He is also a huge advocate for the US military since he himself seriously considered joining the Marines before his football career. According to his website, “President Donald J. Trump appointed Herschel chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. To encourage a healthy lifestyle for all Americans, Herschel visited Capitol Hill multiple times to meet with members of Congress and discuss the importance of fitness and nutrition.”

Democrat Raphael Warnock graduated from Morehouse College and served for 16 years as a senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. Warnock was appointed as a Georgia Senator in January 2021 to fill in for Johnny Isakson when he resigned. According to Warnock’s website, “Currently, Senator Warnock serves on the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee; Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee; Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, as well as the Special Committee on Aging and the Joint Economic Committee.”

On Nov. 8th neither candidate was able to get more than 50% of the vote, meaning that a runoff election is now set to take place on Dec. 6. Early voting starts November 28th. Whoever gains a 50% majority vote will win the runoff election and be the senator for Georgia in the upcoming term. This means whoever is elected will be controlling legislation, drafting or amending bills, overseeing the federal budget, and so much more.