Charles S. Bullock, III, is the Distinguished University Professor of Public and International Affairs, holds the Richard B. Russell Chair in Political Science, and is Josiah Meigs Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Georgia. In 2005 and 2009, he was a senior fellow at Oxford University's Rothermere American Institute. He has published extensively on southern politics, redistricting, elections, electoral systems, and public policy.

Susan A. MacManus is Distinguished University Professor Emerita at the University of South Florida. Beginning with the 2016 presidential election cycle, she has been the political analyst for WFTS-TV (ABC Action News, Tampa). She is the author of numerous publications on politics and history, and also serves on the UF Bob Graham Center For Public Service Council of Advisors and on the Board of Directors of the Florida TaxWatch Center for Florida Citizenship.

Jeremy D. Mayer is Associate Professor in the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. He has written books and articles on diverse topics such as race and presidential campaigns, public opinion toward torture, presidential image management, Christian right politics, federalism and gay rights, and comparative political socialization.

Mark J. Rozell is the founding dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government, and the Ruth D. and John T. Hazel Chair in Public Policy at George Mason University. He is the author of numerous published studies on various topics in U.S. government and politics, including the presidency, religion and politics, southern politics, and interest group politics.

"This volume is essential reading for anyone interested in Southern politics in the early 21st century. The authors provide a better understanding for the complex political, economic, and social changes at work in the South today. Gone are the days of the 'Solid South.' In its place, is a region that is increasingly complex and presents both challenges and opportunities for black candidates." -- Scott E. Buchanan, Georgia College

"Four of the foremost experts on race and politics in the South have collaborated to produce this timely and engaging examination of Black candidates for statewide office. From Stacey Abrams' inspiring near-victory in 218 to Raphael Warnock's path-breaking election in 221, the campaigns it covers are not only fascinating and important in their own right, but also portents of the future of Southern politics. Anyone interested in how race intersects with electoral politics, whether in the South or outside it, will benefit from this book." -- Devin Caughey, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"A must-read for anyone interested in black politics, southern politics, or electoral politics; in fact, anyone interested in American politics as a whole would learn a lot from this book. I am struck by the encyclopedic knowledge of the authors—they are able to paint a clear picture of campaigns, and bring extensive data to bear without requiring readers to be well-versed in statistical methods. The authors also use their immense talent to shed light on an understudied group in a region where many people are fighting to shed the reputation of being backwards and discriminatory." -- Christopher J. Clark, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and author of Gaining Voice: The Causes and Consequences of Black Representation in the American States

"The prospect for Black electoral success in statewide elections is a reality along the South's I-95 corridor. This excellent, sophisticated analysis of electoral data and changing demographics demonstrates the path to Black success in an engaging and insightful fashion. It also portends the new reality of Southern politics, where Black candidates can thrive and succeed in some of the most divisive and charged politics in over a half-century." -- Keith Ga@&ddie, University of Oklahoma, and coauthor of Democracy's Meaning: How the Public Understands Democracy and Why It Matters