Republican incumbent Sen. David Perdue failed to secure a majority in his reelection bid, which means now both of Georgia’s U.S. Senate races will be decided by runoff elections on January 5, 2021.

Perdue will face Democratic challenger Jon Ossof and Democrat Raphael Warnock will face Republican Kelly Loefflerin.

The runoffs will determine control of the U.S. Senate.

With no candidate securing a majority, one of Georgia’s U.S. Senate races is heading for a runoff election.

Democrat Raphael Warnock and Republican Kelly Loeffler will face each other in the runoff election scheduled for January 5, 2021.

Gov. Jim Justice defeated Democratic challenger Ben Santiago to win reelection in West Virginia.

Justice, who ran as a Democrat in 2016 narrowly defeating incumbent Bill Cole before switching party affiliations, comfortably secured his second term receiving twice as many votes as his challenger.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper defeated Republican challenger Dan Forest to win reelection.

The election was close heading into the evening, but Cooper secured his second term in office.

Republican Mark Robinson defeated Democrat Yvonne Holley to become North Carolina’s first African American Lieutenant Governor.

The Georgia General Assembly adjourned sine die on June 26 after a session interrupted and delayed by COVID-19.

Before adjourning, the General Assembly notably passed a hate crimes bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp on Friday, and a budget reduction of nearly 10%.

This $2.2 billion reduction is the largest reduction since the 2008 recession.

The does affect lobbyist reporting. The last semi-monthly report for state-level and State Transportation Board lobbyists is due on July 1.

The 111th Tennessee General Assembly adjourned sine die just after 3 am on June 19 after hours of overnight negotiations.

The negotiations culminated in passing a $39.5 billion budget, cutting $1 billion from the budget passed in March due to the shortfall caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Mississippi Legislature has adopted a resolution to once again extend the legislative session.

The resolution initially called for the session to be extended until December 31.

However, a Senate amendment was passed setting the date for adjournment sine die on October 10.

The resolution calls for the Legislature to now reconvene for six days in October.

The Legislature will consider matters regarding any additional funds appropriated by the U.S Congress to the state for the COVID-19 pandemic.

The session was previously extended from May 10 to July 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After 17 years of service representing District 15, Sen. Gary Jackson has announced his resignation effective June 30, citing growing health concerns.

Jackson was met with a standing ovation following his announcement on the Senate Floor.

Furthermore, a special election to fill Jackson’s seat for the remainder of his term ending in 2024 will be scheduled.

Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and Speaker of the House David Ralston announced the Georgia General Assembly will resume its 2020 legislative session on June 15.

The General Assembly’s session has been on pause since March 13 due to COVID-19 concerns.

Upon reconvening, a key issue will be the state budget.

After a prolonged standoff with the state’s Democratic governor, President Donald Trump says Republicans will seek another state instead of North Carolina to hold its August convention.

Gov. Roy Cooper rejected a proposal for a full convention and insisted on scaling back the event due to uncertainty as to what the status of the COVID-19 pandemic will be in August.

Several other locations are expected to or have already expressed interest in hosting the event, but the GOP is still weighing its options for the event.

On May 18, the final day of the regular session, the Alabama Legislature voted to approve with Gov. Kay Ivey’s amendment to Senate Bill 161.

This amendment allocates the $1.8 billion received by the state from the CARES Act.

Thus, the Alabama Legislature now stands adjourned sine die.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has scheduled a special election to replace Rep. April Weaver of House District 49.

Weaver recently announced her resignation to take a position with the Trump Administration.

If necessary, the primary election for the seat will be held on August 4 with a runoff set for September 1.

Additionally, the special general election will be held on November 17.

On May 12, the South Carolina Legislature met to approve a resolution allowing the state to continue to spend money until the budget can be addressed later this year.

In addition to the budget and any potential legislation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Legislature may take up any legislation that has passed either the House or the Senate during the fall session.

As of May 14, the Legislature stands recessed until September 15

Mississippi Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Speaker of the House Philip Gunn have announced the Legislature will reconvene the 2020 Legislative Session at 1:00 p.m. on May 1.

In addition, the end-of-session report will be due 10 days after the adjournment sine die of the regular legislative session.

The expected adjournment date was extended to June 9 when the session was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns.