Georgia US Senate race will pit Warnock against Walker

Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., addresses the Gwinnett County Democratic Party fundraiser on Saturday, May 21, 2022 in Norcross, Ga. (AP Photo/Akili-Casundria Ramsess)

Democratic U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock will face Republican football legend Herschel Walker for a coveted Senate seat in Georgia after both handily defeated primary challengers on Tuesday to set up a historic, high-stakes showdown.

Walker, who is backed by former President Donald Trump, defeated five GOP challengers in his race, clearing the 50% mark needed to avoid a runoff. Warnock easily defeated beauty industry professional Tamara Johnson-Shealey.

The general election matchup between Warnock and Walker marks the first time that two major-party candidates for U.S. Senate in Georgia are Black.