Politics

Andrew Yang moving to Atlanta to help Democrats win Senate runoffs

Former Democratic presidential candidate Andrew Yang announced Saturday that he will be moving to Georgia to help Democrats clinch two crucial Senate runoffs in January.

The 45-year-old entrepreneur from New York made the announcement on Twitter, saying the best way to help President-Elect Joe Biden is to get him a Democratic Senate.

Republicans Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue will face Democratic challengers Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff (respectively) on Jan. 5.

“This is our only chance to clear Mitch out of the way and help Joe and Kamala get things done in the next four years,” Yang said.

At the moment, the tally for the next Senate is tied, with 48 Republicans and 48 Democrats. Seats in North Carolina and Alaska are too early to call.

If both Warnock and Ossoff win, Biden would be dealing with a majority in the Senate, increasing his chances for passing legislation and securing major appointment confirmations.

Otherwise, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Kentucky Republican, could wield the power to block Biden.

No Democrat has been elected to the Senate in Georgia in 20 years.

Democrats already have the majority in the House.

Yang’s announcement shows the growing focus on the momentous political struggle Georgia faces in the coming months.

[SPECIAL SECTION: Election 2020]

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