Georgia’s gubernatorial race may be the purest example of politics in the Trump era

Stacey Abrams isn’t yet a nationally known politician, but one sign that she could become one is her picture appearing on the cover of Time magazine’s latest issue. …

The Time cover is indicative of the interest in the Georgia race. Few gubernatorial contests will attract as much attention or produce as much speculation. Much will depend on Abrams’s skills as a candidate and on the skills of her Republican opponent, Brian Kemp, who, with an endorsement from President Trump, won a decisive victory in Tuesday’s GOP runoff.

But just as much or more could depend on whether Georgia turns out to be the new Virginia or next Alabama, or instead becomes the latest example of Democrats’ hopes being dashed in a politically changing state. Which is to say: Can Abrams and the Democrats alter the electorate in November and thereby accelerate the changes already underway, or will the current structural advantages enjoyed by Republicans prove strong enough to block her path? CONT.

Dan Balz, Washington Post