'This is not magic': Democrats work to make inroads in the South for the first time in decades | NBC News |

Even beyond Georgia, first-time and minority voters also have a large role in Democrats' prospects across the South. The region is, in some ways, at play for Democrats this election cycle, particularly in a number of Senate contests that are now neck and neck just ahead of Election Day.

Despite the political convention that Republicans hold a secure grip on the South, Democratic candidates are polling competitively in North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and Texas -- which together account for eight Senate seats and possibly the balance of power in the chamber.