FORT VALLEY, Ga. — The Peach State will play a key role in determining which party controls the U.S. Senate as former University of Georgia running back Herschel Walker looks to unseat Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock.
Tuesday, the incumbent senator visited Fort Valley as part of his early vote bus tour.
"Hey, Fort Valley State," Senator Raphael Warnock addressed the crowd.
Warnock's speech, aimed at students, reflected on his own journey.
"In addition to my perseverance, and my discipline and my hard work, somebody gave me some Pell grants, somebody gave me low-interest student loans, somebody gave me a job," Warnock said about his journey at Morehouse College.
He says he's gotten millions of dollars for Georgia's HBCUs and asked President Joe Biden to do more with loan relief. That resonated with students like A.J. Thomas.
"Senator Warnock has walked with crowds and talked with crowds, but he's kept in touch so he's been able to not lose his humble beginnings, so he can relate to those who don't have it all," Fort Valley student A.J. Thomas said.
After Warnock addressed students, media were allowed to ask questions, discussing record early voter turnout and what that means for the election and the voters of Georgia.
"I think the people of Georgia are fired up and they can see the differences between me and my opponent. I can tell you there's no comparison, at all. Character matters and this is somebody who has demonstrated that he's not ready for the job, he's not fit,” the senator said.
All eyes are on the Senate race with Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker.
"We'll deal with things as they come. I think we may very well get a verdict on Tuesday, we'll see, but the fact that people are turning out in record numbers is a great thing, I think it’s great for democracy,” he said.
On Tuesday, Warnock's opponent stopped in Madison on his "Unite Georgia" bus tour.