Trump Era Impacts Local Elections in Georgia as Partisan Divides Intensify

"Trump's Legacy Permeates Georgia's Local Politics, Turning Once Nonpartisan Races into Referendum on National Issues as 2024 Presidential Election Looms"

• The political landscape in local Georgia elections has been significantly influenced by the Trump era, with partisan and cultural divisions that emerged during Trump's 2016 run now significantly impacting local campaigns. This is particularly evident in places like Johns Creek, with local contests now seen as critical in shaping national identity.
• The suburbs of Georgia's largest city, once dominated by the state's Republican establishment, have seen significant demographic and political changes. Due to growth among Asian American, Black, and Hispanic populations, these suburbs have contributed significantly to the vote totals of Democrats, leading to a shift in political power.
• Despite the growth in nonwhite populations, some Republicans who still make up a majority in some areas like north Fulton County have not aligned fully with Trump or the Tea Party, reflecting a nuanced political landscape. This dynamic was evident in Trump underperforming historical Republican advantages in Georgia during the 2020 election.
• While local election focus remains largely on traditional issues such as zoning, development rules and local services, these debates are now being conducted in a new, more partisan tone. One factor that may contribute to this is the decreasing influence of local journalism, leading voters to be more informed about national politics.
• The partisan shift in local politics is having a clear impact on local candidates. For example, Stacy Skinner and Devon Dabney, both running for the City Council of Johns Creek, have had to carefully navigate their partisan preferences, while their stance on local issues often takes a backseat in public debate.

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