Listen to the article
Georgia’s Lt. Governor Resurrects 2020 Election Disputes in Gubernatorial Campaign
Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones is leveraging his legislative authority to target Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger over the 2020 election, reviving tensions within the Republican Party as both vie for the gubernatorial nomination.
Jones, a Trump ally who previously served as a false elector in 2020, has summoned Raffensperger to appear before the state Senate Ethics Committee on Thursday. There, Jones plans to question him about what he incorrectly claims were 315,000 wrongly certified ballots from Fulton County in the 2020 election.
The political maneuver comes amid heightened partisan divisions over election administration. In a parallel development, a Republican state senator has filed a resolution demanding Raffensperger comply with a U.S. Department of Justice request for detailed voter data including personal identifiers such as partial Social Security numbers and driver’s license information. Raffensperger has refused, stating such disclosure would violate state law and compromise voters’ privacy. Georgia is among 23 states facing DOJ lawsuits seeking this voter data.
Election experts note that Jones’ focus on 2020 represents a calculated attempt to energize Trump’s base ahead of the primary. However, some Republican strategists question the strategy’s effectiveness with a broader electorate.
“Candidates who make 2020 the centerpiece risk sounding stuck,” warned Ricky Hess, chair of north Georgia’s Paulding County Republicans. “Candidates who talk about practical steps that build confidence and then focus on today’s issues will connect with more people.”
The controversy centers on a procedural matter in Fulton County, Georgia’s most populous and predominantly Democratic county. During a recent State Election Board meeting, county attorney Ann Brumbaugh acknowledged that poll workers failed to sign tabulator tapes from scanners used during early in-person voting in 2020. Raffensperger characterized this as a “clerical error,” a position supported by election security experts.
“There is nothing in the election code overturning it for not following a procedural rule, especially invalidating every single early vote cast in Georgia’s largest county,” a spokesperson for Raffensperger explained.
Jones, however, has seized on the issue, framing it as evidence of mismanagement requiring oversight. “I will not allow the Secretary and his allies in the press to let him escape accountability by downplaying this utter failure as a mere ‘clerical error,'” Jones stated in his announcement of the committee meeting.
The political context is significant. Jones was among 16 Georgia Republicans who declared themselves presidential electors in 2020 despite Biden’s victory in the state. He also supported calls for a special legislative session to overturn the election results. Raffensperger gained national attention when he rebuffed then-President Trump’s January 2021 request to “find” enough votes to reverse Biden’s win in Georgia.
While Jones has secured Trump’s endorsement, political analysts suggest his election strategy faces challenges. Jason Shepherd, a former Republican party official who resigned over disagreements with Trump supporters, notes that Jones already has the backing of election skeptics but needs to appeal to a broader electorate that has largely moved beyond 2020 concerns.
Georgia State University political science professor Dr. Jennifer McCoy points out the delicate balancing act for Republican candidates: “Jones will have to appeal to a broad swath of voters in the general election, but Democrats previously crossed over to vote in the Republican primary for Raffensperger for secretary of state.”
State GOP Chairman Josh McKoon defended the focus on election integrity, calling it a “key concern” among Republican primary voters. However, some party members express concern that emphasizing 2020 grievances could alienate moderate voters crucial for general election success.
The primary contest represents a microcosm of the Republican Party’s internal struggle over election narratives and Trump’s continuing influence. As Georgia emerges as a crucial battleground state, the outcome could signal whether the party will continue to emphasize 2020 election grievances or pivot toward forward-looking policy concerns that polls indicate most voters prioritize.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
7 Comments
The push to obtain voter data with personal identifiers is troubling and could undermine voter privacy. Election officials must balance transparency with protecting sensitive voter information. This controversy highlights the need for bipartisan election reforms to strengthen public trust.
This appears to be another partisan attack on Georgia’s election integrity. While concerns should be addressed through proper channels, using legislative powers to target political opponents sets a concerning precedent. Voters deserve impartial election oversight, not partisan power struggles.
The push for voter data with personal identifiers is very concerning. Protecting voter privacy should be a top priority for election officials. This controversy highlights the need for election reforms that balance transparency and security in a nonpartisan way.
While I’m concerned about the partisan tone of this dispute, I’m also curious to hear Raffensperger’s perspective. What specific issues does he have with the data request, and how does he plan to uphold election integrity? Voters need facts, not just political rhetoric.
That’s a fair point. Raffensperger should have the opportunity to publicly address the concerns and explain his position. Transparent, fact-based dialogue is critical for maintaining trust in the electoral process.
It’s disappointing to see ongoing disputes over the 2020 election being used for political gain. Georgians deserve leaders focused on addressing real issues, not relitigating the past. Transparent, nonpartisan election administration should be the priority, not scoring political points.
This looks like another chapter in the ongoing battles over election administration in Georgia. While I understand the desire for rigorous oversight, using legislative powers to target political opponents sets a dangerous precedent. Voters need leaders who will put democratic principles above partisan interests.