Georgia Senate elections live updates: Jon Ossoff projected to win Ga. Senate seat

Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., was clearly ecstatic Wednesday morning as he addressed reporters about the election results in Georgia which may turn the Senate over to Democratic control.

"We sure did not take the most direct path to get here, but we are here," Schumer said. "It feels like a brand new day." 

Schumer said during his press conference today that passing $2,000 direct payments will be a top priority if Warnock and Ossoff are both seated. While ABC News can project Warnock's victory, it hasn't projected an Ossoff victory.

Still, Schumer said Wednesday, "One of the first things that I want to do when our new senators are seated is deliver the $2,000 checks to the American families."

Schumer said he's spoken to Biden and "pledged" that his administration will have an ally in the Democratic Senate. 

"For too long much-needed help has been stalled or diluted by a Republican-led Senate and President Trump. That will change with a Democratic Senate, Democratic House and a Democratic president," Schumer said. 

-ABC News’ Allie Pecorin

Fresh off his projected victory, Warnock stopped by ABC News’ “The View” on Wednesday to discuss his historic win.

“I am delighted and deeply honored that the people of Georgia have chosen me to represent them in the United States Senate,” Warnock said. “I know that these are some difficult and dark days, but every now and then God sends us a glimpse of hope and light, I think to encourage us to keep fighting the good fight.” 

Warnock spoke directly to those who are struggling right now, saying, “you are looking at an iteration and example of the American dream."

“I grew up in public housing. I'm one of 12 children in my family. I'm number 11 and the first college graduate,” Warnock added. 

While ABC News has not projected an Ossoff victory, Warnock said he is confident that when the votes are counted he will prevail.

“I have no doubt that Jon Ossoff will also be a United States senator from the state of Georgia.” 

The Ebenezer Baptist Church pastor added he hopes the Senate can be “a force for good.” 

Warnock said he has not heard from the Loeffler campaign since his projected victory, but said he hopes to represent all Georgians, even those who did not vote for him.

President-elect Joe Biden issued a lengthy statement on the Georgia Senate runoff elections, congratulating Rev. Raphael Warnock on his win and saying he is “hopeful that when the count is complete, Jon Ossoff will also be victorious.”

“Georgia's voters delivered a resounding message yesterday: They want action on the crises we face and they want it right now. On COVID-19, on economic relief, on climate, on racial justice, on voting rights and so much more. They want us to move, but move together,” Biden said. “It looks like we will emerge from yesterday's election with Democratic leadership in the House and the Senate, and of course I'm pleased that we will be able to work with Speaker Pelosi and a Majority Leader Schumer.” 

“But I’m also just as determined today as I was yesterday to try to work with people in both parties — at the federal, state, and local levels — to get big things done for our nation,” the president-elect added. 

-ABC News’ Molly Nagle

Georgia voters set a new record in Tuesday's runoff elections, with more than 4.4 million voters participating in the dual races.

The surge in turnout so far -- with votes still to be tallied -- wallops previous records for a runoff and also surpasses the total turnout for the 2016 general election. 

Between the two races, turnout is nearly identical, according to the most recent data from the secretary of state’s office: 4,406,279 in the Loeffler/Warnock race and 4,406,181 in the Perdue/Ossoff race. The figures cap off two highly competitive contests in the emerging battleground state, and although Republicans were considered the favorites -- particularly given Democrats' poor showings in runoff elections historically in the state -- an engaged electorate helped deliver at least one projected win for Democrats so far. 

Before Tuesday, turnout was already record-shattering, with 3,093,375 voters casting their ballots early (1,018,381 by mail and 2,074,994 early in-person), according to Georgia Votes. The previous record of 2.14 million was set in 2008.

The total early vote also included at least 123,079 who did not participate in November's general election, when nearly 5 million votes were tallied.

-ABC News’ Kendall Karson