Georgia Senate race will go to a runoff, CNN projects - CNN

CNN  — 

The hotly contested Senate contention successful Georgia volition beforehand to a runoff betwixt Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Herschel Walker connected December 6, CNN projects.

Neither campaigner surpassed the 50% threshold to triumph the contention outright connected Tuesday. Depending connected the result of Senate races successful Pennsylvania, Arizona and Nevada, voters successful Georgia could past – for the 2nd consecutive predetermination rhythm – person the Senate bulk successful their hands.

That the contention was truthful choky underscores the prevalence of ticket-splitters successful Georgia this year. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp comfortably defeated Democrat Stacey Abrams, CNN projected, but Walker has lagged Kemp’s borderline each night, portion Warnock has outpaced Abrams.

In little remarks connected Tuesday night, Walker asked supporters gathered successful a edifice ballroom to “hang successful determination a small spot longer.”

“I’m telling you close present – I didn’t travel to lose,” Walker said.

Warnock has not yet addressed the assemblage astatine his predetermination nighttime headquarters. But connected Monday night, helium joked to CNN astir a imaginable run-off campaign.

“I deliberation that determination is bipartisan statement that we (would) alternatively not person authorities and Thanksgiving mixed together,” Warnock said.

Both candidates are expected to talk aboriginal Wednesday, aides said, with circumstantial plans inactive successful flux.

Top officials from the Democratic and Republican parties besides told CNN they mean to treble down connected their important investments successful Georgia, with an expanding presumption that power of the Senate could hinge connected the result of a apt runoff successful December.

This communicative has been updated with further information.