Georgia Primary Election Live Blog: Lieutenant governor, secretary of state races headed to runoffs

ATLANTA - Georgia voters headed to the polls Tuesday to decide who will represent their party in November, with the race to replace term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp topping the ballot. Under Georgia election law, primary candidates must clear a 50% plus one vote threshold to win their party's nomination outright. Runoff elections, if necessary, will take place June 16.

Polls across Georgia opened at 7 a.m. Tuesday and closed at 7 p.m. with some exceptions in Fulton and Cobb counties. 

SEE 2026 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS

12:15 A.M. This live blog has concluded

11:48 P.M. AP projects Tim Fleming and Vernon Jones advance to Republican primary runoff election for Georgia secretary of state race

Republicans Tim Fleming and Vernon Jones will advance to a runoff election for the Republican bid to be Georgia's next secretary of state. 

11:45 P.M. AP projects John F. Kennedy advances to Republican primary runoff election for Georgia lieutenant governor race

Republican State Sen. John F. Kennedy will advance to a runoff election for the Republican bid to be Georgia's next lieutenant governor. His opponent has yet to be determined. 

"Republicans have built something special in Georgia, and John F. Kennedy is the proven conservative leader ready to protect and build on that success. For more than a decade in the State Senate, JFK has earned the trust of Georgians by fighting for conservative values, delivering results for hardworking families, and helping make Georgia a national model for Republican leadership. We are confident Georgia Republicans will unite behind a strong conservative vision to protect the progress made across the state and keep Georgia moving in the right direction," said Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC) President Edith Jorge-Tuñón.

11:43 P.M. AP projects Penny Brown Reynolds and Dana Barrett advance to Democratic primary runoff election for Georgia secretary of state race

Democrats Penny Brown Reynolds and Dana Barrett are advancing to a runoff election in the Democratic primary for secretary of state in Georgia. 

"Over four months ago, I launched this campaign because Georgians are struggling. People can't afford groceries, rent, childcare, or healthcare. The only way we fix these problems is by electing leaders who will fight for real solutions and the only way we elect those leaders is through free, fair, and secure elections," said Dana Barrett, Fulton County commissioner and Democratic candidate for Georgia Secretary of State. "Georgia voters sent a message loud and clear tonight: they want a Secretary of State who will stop at nothing to protect their vote. I was willing to go to jail to protect Fulton County's elections. I was out front telling the truth about the FBI raid on our elections warehouse. As Trump ramps up his threats against election workers and voters in our state, there’s no chance I’m backing down now."

11:40 P.M. AP projects Josh McLaurin and Nabilah Parkes advance to Democratic primary runoff election for Georgia lieutenant governor race

Democrats Josh McLaurin and Nabilah Parkes are advancing to a runoff election in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor in Georgia. 

"Georgians showed up in huge numbers tonight because they are sick and tired of the status quo," said Nabilah Parkes. "I’m honored that so many voters have put their trust in me, and I’m going to keep fighting for an affordable and fair economy that will allow all of our families to thrive."

11:13 P.M. AP projects Derek Dooley advances to Republican primary runoff election for U.S. Senate in Georgia

The Associated Press is projecting Derek Dooley advances to Republican primary runoff election for U.S. Senate in Georgia.

10:55 P.M. AP projects John Cowan advances to Republican primary runoff election for U.S. House in Georgia's 11th Congressional District

The Associated Press is projecting John Cowan advances to the Republican primary runoff election for U.S. House in Georgia's 11th Congressional District.

10:46 P.M. AP projects Traci George advances to Democratic primary runoff election for U.S. House in Georgia's 12th Congressional District

The Associated Press is projecting Traci George advances to Democratic primary runoff election for U.S. House in Georgia's 12th Congressional District.

10:46 P.M. AP projects Ceretta Smith advances to Democratic primary runoff election for U.S. House in Georgia's 12th Congressional District

The Associated Press is projecting Ceretta Smith advances to the Democratic primary runoff election for U.S. House in Georgia's 12th Congressional District.

10:40 P.M. AP projects Amanda Hollowell advances to Democratic primary runoff election for U.S. House in Georgia's 1st Congressional District

The Associated Press is projecting Amanda Hollowell advances to the Democratic primary runoff election for U.S. House in Georgia's 1st Congressional District.

10:40 P.M. AP projects Caitlyn Gegen wins the Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 9th Congressional District

The Associated Press is projecting Caitlyn Gegen wins the Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 9th Congressional District.

10:39 P.M. AP projects Kelly Esti wins Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 8th Congressional District

The Associated Press is projecting Kelly Esti wins Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 8th Congressional District.

10:33 P.M. AP projects Keisha Lance Bottoms wins Democratic nomination for governor in Georgia

The Associated Press is projecting Keisha Lance Bottoms wins the Democratic nomination for governor in Georgia.

The victory sets up a high-stakes campaign for the November election as the party aims to capture a seat that has eluded them for more than two decades.

Bottoms won the race after receiving a rare endorsement from former President Joe Biden, having previously served in his administration in a White House job on the President's Export Council.

RELATED: Keisha Lance Bottoms wins Georgia Democratic primary in governor race

10:25 P.M. AP projects Maura Keller wins Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 3rd Congressional District

The Associated Press is projecting Maura Keller wins the Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 3rd Congressional District.

10:15 P.M. AP projects Joyce Griggs advances to Democratic primary runoff election for U.S. House in Georgia's 1st Congressional District

The Associated Press is projecting Joyce Griggs advances to the Democratic primary runoff election for U.S. House in Georgia's 1st Congressional District.

10:04 P.M. AP projects Jasmine Clark wins Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 13th Congressional District

The Associated Press is projecting Jasmine Clark wins the Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 13th Congressional District.

Clark won the party nomination succeeding the late Rep. David Scott for a two-year term representing the district after Scott died in April while seeking another term.

She is expected to be the odds-on favorite to succeed Scott for a full term starting next January, with Jonathan Chavez unopposed to become the Republican nominee. 

9:53 P.M. AP projects Houston Gaines wins Republican nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 10th Congressional District

The Associated Press is projecting Houston Gaines wins the Republican nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 10th Congressional District.

9:50 P.M. AP projects Henry Johnson wins Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 4th Congressional District

The Associated Press is projecting Henry Johnson wins the Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 4th Congressional District.

9:45 P.M. AP projects Mike Collins advances to Republican primary runoff election for U.S. Senate in Georgia

The Associated Press is projecting Mike Collins advances to the Republican primary runoff election for U.S. Senate in Georgia.

9:43 P.M. Raffensperger makes concession speech after gubernatorial loss

9:30 P.M. Burt Jones and Rick Jackson make comments ahead of runoff

RELATED: Burt Jones, Rick Jackson advance to Georgia Republican primary runoff for governor

9:15 P.M. AP projects Andrew Clyde wins Republican nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 9th Congressional District

The Associated Press is projecting Andrew Clyde wins the Republican nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 9th Congressional District.

8:50 P.M. Fulton County election results won't be posted until all polls close

Fulton County election officials said that the county won't be releasing voter results until the last poll closes. 

Two county precincts in Sandy Springs will remain open until 11:02 p.m. after a police investigation led to the polling locations being temporarily closed for several hours.  

"Fulton County’s decision to hold election results until the closure of all polling places is based on a review of Georgia Election Code O.C.G.A. Section 21-2-493(a) and State Election Board Rule 183-1-12-.12(d) and consultation with multiple attorneys," officials said. 

8:40 P.M. AP projects Rick Jackson advancing to Republican primary runoff for governor

The Associated Press is projecting Rick Jackson advances to the Republican primary runoff election for governor in Georgia.

8:38 P.M. AP projects Burt Jones advancing to Republican primary runoff for governor

The Associated Press is projecting Burt Jones advances to the Republican primary runoff election for governor in Georgia.

8:22 P.M. AP projects Chris Harden wins Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 11th Congressional District

The Associated Press is projecting Chris Harden wins the Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 11th Congressional District.

8:20 P.M. AP projects Clay Fuller wins Republican nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 14th Congressional District

The Associated Press is projecting Clay Fuller wins the Republican nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 14th Congressional District.

8:05 P.M. AP projects Nikema Williams wins Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 5th Congressional District

The Associated Press is projecting Nikema Williams wins the Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 5th Congressional District.

8:00 P.M. AP projects Rick Allen wins Republican nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 12th Congressional District

The Associated Press is projecting Rick Allen wins the Republican nomination for U.S. House in Georgia's 12th Congressional District.

7:55 P.M. Initial votes are rolling in

Initial voting numbers for North Georgia elections have started rolling in. See the breakdowns below. 

2026 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS

7:50 P.M. Colleague praises Rick Jackson, Republican candidate for governor

"He's done the work, he has been out there in the state, in the counties, meeting the people of Georgia, hearing their concerns, and really learning a lot about what's happening throughout the state and coming up with ideas on how he wants to help fix those problems when he's governor," Jackson's colleague said. 

7:45 P.M. Keisha Lance Bottoms, Democratic candidate for governor, believes stakes are high in 2026 election

"There are so many issues. Even before gas prices went up, the conversation around the cost of living. People are really concerned about those kitchen table issues. People are deeply concerned about the instability that Donald Trump has brought, not just to the state, but across this country. Expansion of Medicaid is this perennial issue, lack of access to healthcare. Concerns around literacy. I mean, I don't think there's any one issue. I think it's all the things combined, and you know, we say each election is the most important election, but the stakes are pretty high this year," Bottoms told FOX 5. 

7:38 P.M. Jason Esteves, Democratic candidate for governor, says campaign is about opportunity for voters

"A good friend of mine, Jason Carter, endorsed my campaign early on, and he reminded me that his grandfather started from the school board to the state
Senate and then he ultimately became governor and that's the same pathway I've been taking, trying to do something good here in the state of Georgia and make sure that, no matter who you are, you have the opportunity to thrive. At the end of the day, this campaign is about healthcare, economic opportunity and making sure that we invest in our children," Esteves told FOX 5. 

State Sen. Rashuan Kemp praised Esteves' leadership qualities. 

"I've worked alongside Jason in the state Senate, and I've seen someone that comes, that is very smart, comes with very strong policies, and also knows how to work across the aisle. And that's what we need in our next leader. And also someone that is going to attract younger folks into the policymaking decisions," Kemp told FOX 5. 

7:30 P.M. Voter says process "super quick" at still open Cobb County location

Andrew Jackson said he arrived at the Cobb County precinct on Piedmont Road at the Church of Christ and had no issues with voting. 

"I tore tail to get here on time, but getting here, it was super quick. In and out, five minutes, no line really to speak of, and everybody was on their game all day," Jackson said. 

7:01 P.M. Ison Springs Elementary polling location hours extended 

Polling locations at Ison Spring Elementary will be open until 11:02 p.m.

The decision comes after the precincts were temporarily closed due to a law enforcement investigation. 

RELATED: Morgan Falls Overlook Park closure: Wanted man in custody

7:00 P.M. Majority of polls closed across Georgia 

The majority of polls across Georgia have closed with a few exceptions. See which locations are open below. 

To see voting totals as they come in, click below. 

2026 PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS

6:40 P.M. Secretary of State's office provides Primary Date update

The Georgia Secretary of State's Office said about 850,000 votes had been cast on May 19. That brings the voting totals to about 1.9 million, including early voting ballots. 

Of those cast on Tuesday, about 49.3% were Republican, while Democrats accounted for about 48.2%. Overall totals, including early votes, have Republicans at 45.2% and Democrats at 52.8%, with the remaining votes accounted for by nonpartisan voters. 

The office is still awaiting word on how long the two precincts in Sandy Springs will remain open after an extensive search for a suspicious man in the area prompted nearby precincts to suspend operations temporarily. 

Officials also addressed minor issues that took place at certain precincts in Cobb County. 

SEE FULL UPDATE BELOW

6:05 P.M. Judge extends precinct hours at 11 locations in Cobb County

A judge has ruled 11 precincts in Cobb County can stay open past 7 p.m. to accommodate voters after the locations experienced issues earlier in the day. Cobb County Elections & Registration deployed additional equipment to impacted polling locations to aid in the voter check-in process. Back-up manual check-in procedures were implemented, according to county officials.  

Those locations are:

• Eastside 02, Sewell Mill Library, 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. Open until 7:09 p.m.
• Elizabeth 03, Piedmont Road Church of Christ, 1630 Piedmont Rd., Marietta. Open until 8:00 p.m.
• Elizabeth 04, Gracelife Church, 1083 Allgood Rd. NE, Marietta. Open until 7:30 p.m.
• Fair Oaks 04, Milford Recreation Center, 675 Smyrna Powder Springs Rd., Marietta. Open until 7:21 p.m.
• Lassiter 01, Pilgrimage United Church of Christ, 3755 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta. Open until 7:30 p.m.
• Mableton 1B, Riverside Epicenter, 135 Riverside Pkwy, Austell. Open until 7:13 p.m.
• Mableton 4C, Thompson Community Center, 555 Nickajack Rd. SE, Mableton. Open until 7:28 p.m.
• Marietta 3B, Missionary Church Assembly of God, 1021 Oregon Trl., Marietta. Open until 7:30 p.m.
• Oregon 04, Trinity Fellowship, 2115 Pair Rd. SW, Marietta. Open until 7:06 p.m.
• Pine Mountain 01, Pine Mountain Middle School, 2720 Pine Mountain Cir., Kennesaw. Open until 7:25 p.m.
• Powers Ferry 01, Sewell Mill Library, 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. Open until 7:09 p.m.

5:50 P.M. Counties deploy resources to protect voters

According to the Secretary of State's office, voting turnout remained steady throughout Tuesday. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger noted that more than 1,030,000 people cast early ballots, which he asserts is proof "that Georgians trust our elections."

To maintain security, Fulton County positioned law enforcement at more than 100 polling sites. Additionally, the secretary of state deployed 600 inspectors across Georgia polling locations to watch for potential problems.

4:35 P.M. Precincts reopen at Ison Springs Elementary School in Sandy Springs

Fulton County Voting Precincts SS19A and SS22 at Ison Springs Elementary School reopened at 4 p.m. amid an ongoing police investigation. 

The voting locations were closed just before noon after the school went on a soft lockdown while authorities responded to a nearby threat. 

Additional information on whether hours will be extended at the voting sites is pending. 

RELATED: Morgan Falls Overlook Park closure: FBI assisting police investigation

4:30 P.M. Former President Obama backs GA Supreme Court candidates

Former President Barack Obama took to X in voicing his support for Georgia Supreme Court candidates Miracle Rankin and Jen Jordan. 

3:30 P.M. Judge voids order granting access to Georgia election reporting center

A Fulton County judge has voided an order granting poll watchers and State Election Board observers access to the state’s central election reporting operations on Primary Day.

The decision comes after an earlier decision by Fulton County Superior Court Chief Judge Ural Glanville stating properly designated observers must be allowed into the Secretary of State’s election operations center, sometimes referred to as "the bunker," where county election results are received, processed and reported.

Judge Glanville reversed the decision stating the original emergency injunction was filed improperly. 

The next hearing regarding the suit filed by State Sen. Greg Dolezal along with Christopher Mora and Keli Gambrill is set for May 28 before Fulton County Superior Court Judge Melynee Leftridge.

3:23 P.M. Voting suspended at Ison Springs Elementary school

Voting was suspended at Ison Springs Elementary School around 11:58 a.m. after the school was placed on a soft lockdown due to an ongoing police investigation. 

Officials said the Department of Registration & Elections is seeking a court order to extend voting hours at Fulton County Voting Precincts SS19A and SS22 to ensure all voters have a chance to cast their ballots. 

Sandy Springs police and SWAT officers responded to the park after receiving a call about a man dressed in military-style gear. Police said the man entered the woods after an alleged dispute with another person. 

After the man went into the woods, police said they received another 911 call stating the caller heard possible gunshots in the area. 

RELATED: Morgan Falls Overlook Park closure: Gunshots reported nearby

1:30 P.M. Cobb deploying additional poll pads

Cobb County says it has deployed additional poll pads, which are used to check in voters, after technical issues were reported on Tuesday morning.

Officials also said voting has not stopped and all voters in line will be able to cast their votes before the polls close. 

12:45 P.M. Former VP Harris shows support

Former Vice President Kamala Harris encouraged voters on social media to send Miracle Rankin and Jen Jordan to the Georgia Supreme Court.

12:15 P.M. Judge rules in favor of allowing observers into ‘bunker’

A Fulton County judge has ordered Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to allow poll watchers and State Election Board observers access to the state’s central election reporting operations on Primary Day.

According to the ruling issued Tuesday by Fulton County Superior Court Chief Judge Ural Glanville, properly designated observers must be allowed into the Secretary of State’s election operations center, sometimes referred to as "the bunker," where county election results are received, processed and reported.

The lawsuit was filed by State Sen. Greg Dolezal along with Christopher Mora and Keli Gambrill.

Dolezal is running for lieutenant governor of Georgia. 

In the order, Judge Glanville wrote that Georgia law gives poll watchers the right to observe election activities at tabulation centers and related locations. The judge also said denying access could cause "immediate and irreparable injury" because transparency would be lost once votes are tabulated and reported.

The court ordered Raffensperger and his staff to immediately allow observers into the operations center and provide "reasonable proximity and vantage points" so they can meaningfully observe election activities.

The temporary restraining order will remain in effect through May 28 unless modified by the court.

11 A.M. Brad Raffensperger talks about ‘wild claims and accusations’

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said Tuesday morning during a news conference that record early-voting turnout is a sign that voters continue to trust the state’s election system.

Raffensperger said more than 1 million Georgians cast ballots during early voting and pointed to a recent University of Georgia poll showing 84% of Georgians trust the state’s elections. "This record-breaking turnout is further proof that Georgians trust our elections," Raffensperger said.

Raffensperger said inspectors from the Secretary of State’s Office are visiting about 600 polling locations across Georgia Tuesday to make sure election laws and procedures are being followed.

The Secretary of State also encouraged people concerned about election integrity to visit county tabulation centers instead of spreading what he called "wild claims and accusations."

Raffensperger was referring to the stories and speculation on social media that resulted from the lawsuit filed by Sen. Greg Dolezal and other Republican candidates, seeking access for election observers to the Secretary of State's Emergency Operations Center.

When asked about issues at polling places, Raffensperger said there had been "a few" problems in DeKalb County, but said alternate procedures were being used and expected the issues to be resolved quickly.

Raffensperger also said the state is monitoring wait times at polling locations and that current lines across Georgia remain under one hour.

WATCH FULL PRESS CONFERENCE BELOW

10:25 A.M. Minor issues at Cobb County polls

Cobb County election officials said Tuesday they are dealing with technical issues affecting some operations at polling locations across the county, but voting is continuing.

According to the Cobb County Elections and Registration Department, backup procedures have been put in place and no polling locations have stopped operations. Officials said all eligible voters who are in line by 7 p.m. will still be allowed to cast ballots.

Election staff and technical teams are working to resolve the problems and minimize disruptions. Voters are being asked to remain patient as workers assist people at polling locations.

If you notice an issue at your polling place, send an email to newstipsatlanta@fox.com. 

10:15 A.M. President Trump releases video message to Georgia voters

President Donald Trump released a video message urging Republicans in Georgia to vote for Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the GOP gubernatorial primary. In the video, Trump called Jones a "fantastic person" who is "solid as a rock." Trump said Jones has his "complete and total endorsement: and Jones will be a "great governor" because he loves Georgia. Trump said that he also loves Georgia.

10 A.M. Georgia governor posts message in support of Dooley

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and his wife Marty took to social media to show their support for Derek Dooley for U.S. Senate. He also encouraged voters to vote for Georgia's incumbent statewide judges and justices.

9:30 A.M. Mud slinging ineffective, voters say

At a Gwinnett County polling location Tuesday morning, some voters said negative campaign ads were not influencing how they cast their ballots in Georgia’s closely watched primary races.

One voter told FOX 5, "Mudslinging is not useful or helpful as far as I’m concerned."

The voter said they focus more on candidates’ records and positions than attack ads.

"What I want to know is… if you had been in office before, how did you vote when you were in office before? And if you haven’t been in office before, why should I vote for you? What do you represent? What are your goals?" the voter said.

The voter also said they research candidates independently before making a decision at the polls.

"I have to go look it up. I go to the media and look them up, read on their thoughts, how long they’ve been in politics," the voter said.

9 A.M. Voters talk about why they came out

Voters continued streaming into polling locations across metro Atlanta Tuesday morning as Georgia’s closely watched primary elections got underway. 

Many voters said they were looking beyond campaign attack ads to make their decisions in key races for governor and U.S. Senate. One voter told FOX 5, "Mud slinging is not useful or helpful as far as I’m concerned," adding that they research candidates’ voting records and policy positions before casting a ballot.

In the Republican governor’s race, the contest between Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and businessman Rick Jackson has been dominated by negative advertising, with more than $100 million reportedly spent before Primary Day.

The Republican U.S. Senate primary also remained one of the state’s tightest races Tuesday morning. Former football coach Derek Dooley had gained momentum after appearing with Gov. Brian Kemp, who endorsed his campaign Monday.

At a polling site in Dunwoody, voters told FOX 5 Atlanta they were especially focused on economic issues, including rising utility bills and races for the Georgia Public Service Commission, which oversees electricity and natural gas utilities. One voter said concerns about the economy helped drive her decision to vote in the primary.

8 A.M. Steady stream of voters

A polling location in Gwinnett County saw a "pretty good flow" of voters within the first half hour after polls opened Tuesday morning.

In Dunwoody, election workers and volunteers were seen unloading supplies and preparing polling sites before doors opened, and FOX 5 Atlanta also saw a steady stream of voters heading into polling locations after 7 a.m.

One voter in Dunwoody told FOX 5 she was motivated to cast a ballot because of rising electric bills.

7:45 A.M. Find your polling location

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who is also running for governor, posted helpful information for voters who need to find the correct polling location. 

Don't forget to bring your government-issued photo ID to the polling s

Sen. Greg Dolezal filed a lawsuit on Monday against Raffernsperger to force election officials to allow bipartisan observers inside the state's election-night operations center. Raffensperger responded by stating that votes are handled at the local county level rather than the central operations room. 

7 A.M. Polls open in Georgia

Polls around the state of Georgia have opened for voting. They will remain open until 7 p.m. 

Team Trump also posted a message to Georgia voters as polls opened on Tuesday morning.

6:45 A.M. Important reminder

Dr. Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, posted an important reminder shortly before polls opened in the state of Georgia on Tuesday morning.

6 A.M. Democrat voters outpacing Republican

Georgia voters are turning out in record numbers for the state’s primary election, with more than 1 million ballots cast during early voting before polls open Tuesday morning.

Polling locations across the state open at 7 a.m., as election workers prepared for what could be a high-turnout Election Day. About 14% of Georgia’s more than 7.3 million active voters had already cast ballots before Tuesday.

In addition to the high-profile governor and U.S. Senate primaries, voters are also weighing in on races for lieutenant governor, secretary of state and seats that could influence the state’s political direction for years to come.

Early voting numbers show registered Democrats outpacing Republicans, with more than 584,000 Democrats casting ballots compared to just over 430,000 Republicans before Election Day.

Nonpartisan contests, including races for the Georgia Supreme Court, are also drawing attention this cycle because of the court’s potential role in future cases involving issues such as redistricting and gerrymandering.

Polls will remain open until 7 p.m. statewide. Voters who are in line by the deadline will still be allowed to cast a ballot.

5:45 A.M. Race to face Ossoff

The Republican primary for Georgia’s U.S. Senate seat is shaping up to be another closely watched race on Primary Day, with political observers expecting the contest could head to a runoff. The eventual GOP nominee will face incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff in November.

Five Republicans are on the ballot, but the leading candidates include Buddy Carter, Mike Collins and former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley. Candidates John McCallum and John Coyle are also in the race. Polling in recent days has remained tight and fluid heading into Election Day.

Candidates spent the final hours of the campaign emphasizing leadership and electability, with several arguing they are best positioned to challenge Ossoff in the general election.

Unlike the Republican governor’s primary, the Senate race has not featured an endorsement from President Donald Trump, leaving many voters watching closely to see which candidate emerges from the crowded field.

5:30 A.M. Crowded race for governor

The Republican primary for governor has become one of the state’s most expensive and contentious races, with Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and billionaire businessman Rick Jackson flooding the airwaves with attack ads. An estimated $100 million has already been spent on the race, including about $50 million from Jackson’s own pocket.

Political observers widely expect the GOP contest to head to a runoff, with Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Attorney General Chris Carr also competing for Republican voters. President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Jones is expected to play a major role in turnout among conservative voters.

RELATED: Georgia candidates making final campaign stops Monday

On the Democratic side, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms entered Election Day as the frontrunner and is hoping to avoid a runoff. Her challengers include former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, former state Sen. Jason Esteves and former labor commissioner and DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond.

RELATED: Poll shows Georgia GOP races likely headed to runoffs

Polls across Georgia open at 7 a.m. Tuesday and will remain open until 7 p.m. Election workers were already arriving at polling locations, including one in Gwinnett County, before sunrise as counties prepared for a busy day of voting.

Where to see results tonight

FOX 5 Atlanta and FOX LOCAL are your sources for election results. Look for updates streaming live starting at 7:30 p.m. ET on election night. Enable notifications in the FOX LOCAL mobile app to receive alerts on results, runoff likelihoods, comprehensive race analysis and more throughout the night.

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