Republicans have secured 50 seats in the next U.S. Senate compared to Democrats’ 48 (including two independents who caucus with them). Control of the next Senate comes down to Georgia’s runoff elections. In The Runoff Report, we provide the latest on each race and the fight for Senate control.

Regular election updates

David Perdue tweeted today, “President @realdonaldtrump is right — I support this push for $2,000 in direct relief for the American people.” On Dec. 28, Perdue campaigned in Greene County, Milledgeville, Sandersville, Laurens County, and Eastman.

Jon Ossoff appeared on MSNBC’s The ReidOut Monday night, where he called on Perdue to commit to voting for $2,000 relief checks. 

This election is for a full six-year term ending January 2027. Perdue was first elected in 2014. Ossoff ran against Karen Handel (R) in the 6th Congressional District special election in 2017.

Click here for more coverage of the regular election.

Special election updates

Kelly Loeffler appeared on Fox & Friends this morning and said regarding $2,000 relief checks, “I’ve stood by the president 100% of the time. I’m proud to do that, and I’ve said, absolutely, we need to get relief to Americans now, and I will support that.” Loeffler also said congressional Democrats have held up COVID-19 relief. Loeffler campaigned in Watkinsville on Dec. 28. 

Raphael Warnock held a drive-in rally in Atlanta this morning, according to a campaign email. Warnock also released an ad saying Loeffler criticizes him because she’s afraid “that you understand how she’s used her position in the Senate to enrich herself and others like her.” Warnock said he’d serve in the Senate “inspired by the words of Dr. King, who said that ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?’”

The special election will fill the remainder of the term Johnny Isakson (R) won in 2016. He resigned in Dec. 2019, and Gov. Brian Kemp (R) appointed Loeffler, co-owner of the WNBA team Atlanta Dream. Warnock is senior pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church. The winner will complete the term ending in January 2023. 

Click here for more coverage of the special election.

Overall campaign updates

• Stacey Abrams is hosting a virtual fundraiser for Ossoff and Warnock featuring actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus tonight.

• Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) campaigned for Loeffler and Perdue in Savannah.

• Loeffler and Perdue held a joint campaign event in Greensboro.

Today: One of the top-spending Republican super PACs

In November, the Senate Leadership Fund formed Peachtree PAC, a super PAC focusing on Georgia’s runoff elections. 

Senate Leadership Fund President Steven Law said, “The fate of our country hangs in the balance in Georgia. This new activity through Peachtree PAC will articulate the stakes couldn’t be higher as the future of freedom is on the ballot.”

On Dec. 16, CBS News reported that Peachtree PAC planned to spend $40 million on the Senate runoff races. As of Dec. 28, Open Secrets reported the group had spent $26.5 million, equally divided between opposing Ossoff and opposing Warnock.

View an ad from Peachtree PAC here.

Click here for yesterday’s feature on Georgia Honor and The Georgia Way, two Democratic super PACs created by the Senate Majority PAC.