Gwinnett County, Georgia, recognised as one of the 10 most ethnically diverse counties in the United States, could be a key factor in the upcoming midterm elections. The county's demographic makeup, with 28% of residents born outside the US and an 84.9% chance that two randomly selected residents belong to different racial or ethnic groups, according to the US census, reflects its extraordinary diversity.
The outcome of Georgia's US Senate race between Jon Ossoff and Mike Collins may hinge on results from areas like Gwinnett, where voter turnout and partisan sentiment are not easily predicted. The county has experienced a surge in population, driven by both US-born newcomers and immigrants.
Immigration is a significant issue for some residents. Johanna Park, a local business owner, noted that Gwinnett's immigrant community is politically split, with business owners often leaning Republican due to perceived benefits and tax cuts, while their children may tend to be more Democratic.
The county's growth is also linked to its school system, with the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology ranked as the top high school in Georgia. This growth, rather than national issues like the war or gas prices, may be a key political concern for Gwinnett voters.