Republican politicians clinging to power, corporate polluters, and Wall Street executives desperate to avoid paying taxes are pushing the narrative that the Republicans will maintain control of the Senate. Don’t listen to them. President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris won Georgia. If Democratic Senate Candidates Jon Ossoff and Ralphael Warnock get more votes than their opponents in their January 5 runoff, the Democrats will flip the Senate. We can do it.

Since none of the candidates in their Senate races reached the required 50% threshold in November, Georgia will hold two runoff elections. Republicans currently hold 50 seats in the U.S. Senate, and Democrats hold 48. In the event of a 50-50 tie, Vice President Harris will cast the deciding vote on legislation. Even if the Democrats can win one of the Georgia seats and make it a 51-49 split, it will be an important victory as several swing-state Republicans may occasionally vote with the Democrats. But let’s not rely on the Republicans. Let’s flip the Senate.

Everyone wants the election to be over. It was exhausting. But it’s not over, and we can’t give up now. Too much is at stake. 

Why It Matters
The progressive agenda depends largely on Democrats’ ability to pass legislation. The controlling Party leads all Senate committees and dictates their agenda. The House needs Senate approval to pass bills for President Biden’s signature. The Senate has the authority to block cabinet and judicial nominees (HUD, EPA, Interior, Education, etc.). We want President Biden to be able to appoint his top picks. Flipping the Senate will strip Mitch McConnell of his power and serve as an additional repudiation of the Trump administration.

The struggle isn’t over. Democrats need to win the Senate to significantly advance our causes: women’s and LGBTQ rights, racial equality, healthcare, aquatic and wildlife protection, sustainable food and energy, education, immigration, employment, pandemic relief, etc.

Who is Jon Ossoff?
As an investigative journalist, Jon reported on corruption in foreign governments and war crimes. He’s progressive on women’s issues, the LGBTQ community, and health care. He opposes prison sentences for nonviolent drug offenses and accepts the scientific communities’ findings on climate change, and supports rejoining the Paris Agreement.

Who is Raphael Warnock?
Warnock is a pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church to Martin Luther King Jr.’s former congregation. A passionate advocate for protecting Medicaid, he grew up in public housing, and his father served in World War II. Warnock is passionate about climate issues, voting rights, and protecting marginalized communities.

How Can You Help Flip the Senate?
Sign up to volunteer for the Ossoff campaign and the Warnock campaign. You can make calls, send text messages, promote the candidates online, host a fundraiser, make a donation, and share this article to inspire more people to get involved.

If you live in Georgia or can stay in Georgia for the next two months, please contact the campaigns directly for in-person opportunities. Absentee ballots are now available for the runoff. Finally, you can sign up for Stacey Abrams’ Fair Fight to volunteer for both campaigns. Volunteering for a campaign is easier and more rewarding than you might imagine.

The Party that inspires more people to vote in Georgia on January 5 will win the Senate. We have the power to make it the Democrats and return majority rule to the majority party. Let’s do it for Ruth Bader Ginsburg and John Lewis. Let’s do it for the people, animals, and planet who so desperately need us.