Georgia Republicans are pushing to pick up two congressional seats in the November elections.

The GOP is a strong favorite to claim an open seat centered on Governor Nathan Deal's former turf in the Gainesville area. The House district packs in more Republican voters than any in Georgia, giving state Rep. Doug Collins a huge edge over Democrat Jody Cooley.

To gain a second seat, Republicans must oust Democratic Representative John Barrow, who moved to Augusta after GOP lawmakers cut Savannah from the 12th District last year. The changes favor Republican challenger Lee Anderson, a state lawmaker and farmer from Grovetown.

Barrow hopes to persuade voters he’s an independent beholden to neither party. Anderson says the congressman has been dishonest by changing his message for different audiences.

Tags: elections, Georgia House of Representatives, Doug Collins, Lee Anderson, Jody Cooley, john barrows