Two distinct elections on Tuesday are poised to test the political landscape in disparate regions of the United States, with a special election in Georgia and a gubernatorial runoff in South Dakota.
In Georgia's 6th Congressional District, a special election will determine who finishes the term of the late Rep. David Scott, who died in April. The heavily Democratic district, which includes southern and eastern Atlanta suburbs, has already selected its general election candidates. The winner of Tuesday's contest will serve only until January.
Meanwhile, in South Dakota, the Republican primary for governor has led to the state's first-ever gubernatorial runoff. Incumbent Gov. Larry Rhoden is facing Toby Doeden, a self-made millionaire and bitcoin investor. This race is characterized as a contest between the Republican establishment, represented by Rhoden, and an outsider, Doeden, who is seeking an upset fueled by support from Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County.
Rhoden assumed the governorship after former Gov. Kristi Noem was selected for Homeland Security secretary by then-President Donald Trump. Rhoden did not secure enough votes in the June primary to win the nomination outright in his first statewide election for the position. Historically, South Dakota has not elected a Democratic governor since the 1970s, with former Gov. Richard Kneip being the last Democrat to hold the office.
In Georgia's 6th District, the special election is a precursor to the November general election. State Rep. Jasmine Clark, a Democrat, has already secured the party's nomination for the full term and is heavily favored to win in November against Republican challenger Jonathan Chavez. Trump lost the district by a significant margin in 2024.
Efforts to replace the late Rep. David Scott in Georgia had gained momentum from the Democratic Party's progressive wing, with some expressing frustration with the long-serving lawmaker's tenure. Scott's conduct, including an expletive-laden confrontation with a photographer in late 2025, had drawn criticism. Everton Blair, who launched a primary bid against Scott, cited a town hall confrontation as a motivating factor, calling for "a voice for a new generation."
Scott's daughter is also seeking to fill his seat, aiming to continue his legacy and ensure district projects are finalized. She stated her intention to retain her father's staff for continuity. Another candidate, former Mississippi judge Carlos Moore, criticized Scott's tenure and pledged to be a visible leader. Moore's own judicial record includes a one-year suspension in 2024 following findings of mishandling a wrongful death settlement, which he compared to the legal challenges faced by former President Trump.
The winner of Tuesday's special election in Georgia will serve the remainder of Scott's term, concluding in January. Georgia state Rep. Jasmine Clark is the Democratic nominee for the full term beginning in January and is widely expected to win the November general election in the district, which has shown a strong Democratic preference in recent presidential elections.