Georgia turning blue is proof that these activists are chipping away at the Republican South
Stacey Abrams is at the center of the blue wave sweeping the South and many have praised the former gubernatorial candidate for her involvement in turning Georgia blue.
On Friday morning, Americans awoke to a bit of a surprise when it was confirmed that then-Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden
So what influenced the massive Democratic voter turnout? Abrams' organization Fair Fight registered more than 800,000 voters in the state of Georgia sparking a blue movement comprised of an array of voters, including many first-time voters. Many have also weighed in with their reaction to voting for the first time.
I didn't think it mattered," said first time voter, Ryan Lynch. The 41-year-old admitted that Trump's handling of the coronavirus motivated him to cast his vote in this critical presidential election.
"For me to get out here and vote, you know it's serious. We need some kind of change. Not even change but somebody that cares," said Lynch, who is Black and voted Democrat straight down the ticket. "I don't even know if my vote is going to make a difference, but you know what, I'm going to go see."
This election is the first time Georgia has voted in favor of a Democratic president since 1992 when former President Bill Clinton was elected for his first term. Although Georgia is headed for a recount, the 2020 election shift also signals a bigger change in the political landscape of the country.
For several elections, the Republican Party has viewed the state of Georgia as a reliable component for their political support system. But this type of pivotal change could be the beginning of a sweep that could move further into the southern region of the United States.
"The south for a generation has been the base on which the Republican party builds. If Democrats can start chipping away at Republican hegemony in the south then they make their path to the White House and controlling Congress much easier," said Charles Bullock, a political science professor at the University of Georgia. "For years, Florida has been the beauty queen of toss-up states. We don't have as many electoral college votes to bestow upon our suitor but it seems like we are more competitive."
