Former Lt. Governor Mark Taylor speaks at Democratic watch party on election night

ALBANY, Ga. – Residents of Albany gathered at Oakridge Baptist Church for the Democratic watch party, closely following updates in both local and national elections.

One significant race was the congressional contest for U.S. House District 2 between Incumbent Sanford D. Bishop and Republican challenger Wayne Johnson.

Early in the evening, the race remained tight, with Johnson leading by up to 5%. However, as the night progressed, Congressman Bishop surged ahead, eventually establishing a lead of nearly over 30,000 votes.

We spoke with former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Mark Taylor, who discussed Georgia’s impact as a swing state and how that role could influence election outcomes.

“Well, it’s certainly been good for our economy. We have seen two really well-funded campaigns. The Trump campaign, the Harris campaign have spent millions and millions of dollars in Georgia, and that will turn over in the economy that will ultimately create jobs and wealth for our state. Our 16 electoral votes are absolutely critical. And, because Georgia is so closely divided between Democrats and Republicans, all eyes are on Georgia. And, when people look at Georgia, I feel like they’ll see a lot to love,” said Mark Taylor,  former Lt. Governor.

In District 2, Dougherty county played a significant role, with over 24,000 residents casting their votes.

Former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Mark Taylor also highlighted the importance of both Georgia and North Carolina, noting their position with the second-highest number of electoral votes and underscoring their influence on national election outcomes.

“Well, Georgia and North Carolina compete a lot. We’re very similar in population and we have similar resources. Again, it’s great for southern voices to be heard and to be making decisions for really the entire country. It’s normal for us to be in competition with North Carolina. And, I’m not surprised that both presidential campaigns have focused on Georgia and North Carolina so significantly,” said Taylor.

At the watch party, young attendees, teenagers ages 13 to 15, shared what matters most to them as they think about their future votes. Common themes included a focus on education, support for the working middle class, and, above all, a candidate who leads with compassion and truly cares for their supporters. Their voices echoed the hopes of many in the community.

Former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Mark Taylor also expressed his hopes for the future of Georgia, and the nation as a whole, regardless of which candidates win their races.

“Well, to return to a focus on human capital, investing in people, raising the minimum wage, making our public schools better. As a public education, a free and public education, that gives every American the opportunity to pursue all of their dreams. And, we’re not doing enough for public schools in this country. We’re not doing enough around job training. What we’re doing with daycare for working mothers is outrageous. How are women supposed to be in the workforce providing for their families when most of their pay goes for daycare? We should not have student debt. The first two years of college should be free in a great country like America, and certainly we should have no hunger in America. As our human capital develops, our communities develop, and as our community develops, we have economic development, good paying jobs so families can be strong,” said Taylor.

De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

Copyright 2024 CBS 44 News South Georgia. All rights reserved.