On Tuesday, two elections in vastly different regions will take place, a Georgia congressional special election and a South Dakota gubernatorial runoff.
In Georgia, the death of Rep. David Scott created a vacancy in the heavily Democratic 13th district covering suburbs of Atlanta. The special election will decide who completes Scott’s term.
Scott, 80, had served twelve terms and was noted for his outspoken style, including a high‑profile incident with a photographer in the Capitol. His death sparked a primary challenge from progressive candidates.
State Rep. Jasmine Clark secured the Democratic nomination for the full term and is expected to win the special election, while Republican Air Force veteran Jonathan Chavez is the November opponent.
Scott’s daughter announced her candidacy, saying she will continue his legacy and retain his staff to ensure continuity for the district.
Former Mississippi judge Carlos Moore also entered the race, criticizing Scott’s record and pledging to be an active leader.
In South Dakota, the gubernatorial race has moved to a runoff between incumbent Governor Larry Rhoden and bitcoin investor Toby Doeden. The contest pits the establishment candidate against an outsider.
Rhoden assumed office after the previous governor joined the federal cabinet and failed to win an outright primary in June, leading to the runoff.
Polls favor Rhoden, but Doeden hopes to capitalize on support from Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County and Pennington County, which propelled him to a first‑place finish in the June primary.
South Dakota has not elected a Democratic governor since the 1970s, making the race effectively a Republican contest.
The winner of the Georgia special election will serve until January, while the South Dakota runoff will determine the governor for the full four‑year term.
