Marcye Scott, Everton Blair head to runoff in Georgia's 13th Congressional District special election, AP projects
Marcye Scott and Everton Blair are advancing to a runoff in Georgia's 13th Congressional District special election, according to the Associated Press.
The closely watched race saw neither candidate secure a majority (Georgia law requires 50% plus one to win outright), leading to a head-to-head matchup to determine who will represent the district in Congress.
Voters in the district will decide between Scott and Blair as the special election moves to a runoff on Aug. 25, 2026.
The winner will finish the term of Rep. David Scott, one of Georgia's longest serving members of Congress and the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, who died in April.
The district, which stretches across portions of metro Atlanta, was first created following the 2000 Census and had been represented by Scott since 2003.
The vacancy triggered a high-profile race that drew attention from Democratic leaders and political observers across Georgia.
Why this election matters
The 13th congressional district is one of Georgia's most heavily Black and Democratic districts. The seat will be up for election again in November for a full two-year term.
In the November election, state Rep. Jasmine Clark, a Democrat, will face Republican Air Force veteran Jonathan Chavez, who ran unopposed in the GOP primary.
The race could have major implications for the balance of power in the U.S. Congress as Republicans cling to a thin majority.
