As the chaos overwhelming America’s political realm becomes increasingly unnerving, the results of the Georgia runoff elections have never played such a significant role in the future of our government. 

For Democrats to hold the majority throughout the executive branch, Senate candidates Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock had to secure their victories against David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler, respectively. After a close race, both Democratic candidates won. Ossoff ended with a 1.2% lead and Warnoff with a 2% lead. 

Ossoff is only 33, making him considerably younger than his opponent, 71-year-old Perdue. His focuses include better healthcare, protecting women’s health care, addressing student debt and ending corruption in the government. 

Reverend Warnoff made history with his victory, being one of the few African American senators to ever be elected. He also wants to improve healthcare for Georgians, as well as advocate for struggling families. Warnoff has a more challenging road ahead than his counterpart, after already receiving threats from a Proud Boys supporter, only a few days after the results were confirmed. 

Both senator-elects are extremely valuable to their party, as they create a 50-50 split in the Senate. Because the vice president acts as a tie-breaker when needed, Kamala Harris will be the 51st vote for Democrats. 

With Joe Biden as the confirmed president-elect and the Democratic Party holding the majority in the House of Representatives, the Senate races determined the ease in which Democrats could pass policies. As Donald Trump has held office for the past four years, there will be a noticeable shift in the decisions made by the government.