Former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler led the efforts of two organizations in 2002 with one goal in mind – recruit more conservative voters in Georgia. Earlier this week, she released a 2022 Impact Report that shows “2022 was a record-breaking year for Georgia Republicans” as a result of the work of Greater Georgia and Citizens for a Greater Georgia, one of the state Senate’s leadership committees.
The report highlights the efforts of the two conservative organizations, breaks down the Republican victories, and presents further opportunities to grow the conservative movement. According to Loeffler, the data included in the report supports her assertion that Georgia remains a red state – but that sustained investment in Republican campaigns, infrastructure, and the ground game are critical for continued success.
“Despite national media narratives, 2022 was a record-breaking year for Georgia Republicans,” said Loeffler, who serves as Chairwoman of Greater Georgia and was Vice-Chair of Citizens for a Greater Georgia. “Thanks to sustained and dedicated work on the ground, a commitment to growing the conservative movement and proven Republican leaders, Georgia is a red state. Now, our focus must shift to building on the infrastructure and momentum – continuing to assess the data and lessons learned from each cycle to expand our margins and grow our tent.
“That work starts now,” Loeffler continued. “The state is changing – economically, demographically and politically – but that change is positive as long as conservatives put in the work. If we continuously adapt to this dynamic environment, then conservatives will have the infrastructure and mobilization needed to succeed in even greater numbers in 2024 and beyond. Elections are about the future. And in the Peach State, now is a crucial moment to commit to protecting the future of our state and our values – because the Left is fully focused on turning our state blue.”
Through her multi-million dollar investment in statewide mobilization and issues advocacy, Greater Georgia was able to make more than 2.6 million voter contacts, while Citizens for a Greater Georgia made over 600,000 direct voter contacts knocking on doors and making phone calls. The efforts also included millions more impressions through digital, text, television and radio.
According to the report, Democrats dramatically outraised Republicans, in 2022, especially in the state’s marquee races where Republicans’ top federal candidate was outspent by $100 million, and the top state candidate was outspent by over $30 million. Data also shows that Republicans were faced with a different challenge – a changing electorate with growth among young and diverse voters, as well as independent and swing voters who now comprise 30 percent of Georgia’s electorate.
Republicans won every statewide office from the Governor’s race down – and increased their margins of victory compared to 2018 – including the Governor’s race by 6 percent, the Lt. Governor’s race by 2 percent, the Secretary of State’s race by 9 percent and the Attorney General’s race by 3 percent.
According to the report, the Democrats’ candidate for Governor only won 25 counties – four fewer than four years ago. Republicans in the State House and Senate, meanwhile, retained their legislative majorities – in stark contrast to the last midterm election in 2018 when they lost a combined 16 seats.
The report points to several key factors that led to these results:
● A strong Republican ticket is key.
● Democrats failed to excite and turn out their base.
● Republicans energized their base and picked up more independents, young and diverse voters than in years past.
● New and re-engaged conservatives made a significant difference for candidates up and down the ballot.
