2026 Georgia gubernatorial election
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| Elections in Georgia |
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The 2026 Georgia gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Georgia, with primary elections to be held on May 19, 2026. Incumbent Republican governor Brian Kemp is term-limited and cannot seek re-election to a third consecutive term.[1]
Background
[edit]Georgia is considered a swing state at the federal level, but the state has maintained a Republican lean at the state level, with Republicans holding all state-wide seats in the 2022 midterms, where incumbent governor Brian Kemp was re-elected in a rematch against Democrat Stacey Abrams by a 7.5 percent margin.[2] Republicans also control both the state senate and house of representatives, together with Kemp's governorship establishing a government trifecta, alongside complete Republican pick on the state's supreme court. A year prior to the elections, the 2025 Georgia Public Service Commission special election resulted in two Democrats being elected to the Commission. This was the first time that Democrats won any seats on the PSC since the 2000 elections or any statewide non-federal offices since the 2006 elections.[3][4]
Republican primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Chris Carr, attorney general of Georgia (2016–present)[5]
- Clark Dean, real estate executive[6]
- Burt Jones, lieutenant governor of Georgia (2023–present)[7]
- Brad Raffensperger, Georgia Secretary of State (2019–present)[8]
- Ken Yasger, member of the Georgia Army National Guard[9]
Declined
[edit]- Andrew Clyde, U.S. representative from Georgia's 9th congressional district (2021–present)[10] (running for re-election)[11]
- Marjorie Taylor Greene, U.S. representative from Georgia's 14th congressional district (2021–present)[12]
Endorsements
[edit]Chris Carr
- Local officials
- 53 county sheriffs[13]
Burt Jones
- Executive branch officials
- Donald Trump, 45th and 47th president of the United States (2017–2021, 2025–present)[14]
- State legislators
- John Albers, state senator from the 56th district (2011–present)[15]
- Jason Anavitarte, majority leader of the Georgia State Senate (2025–present) from the 31st district (2021–present)[15]
- Lee Anderson, state senator from the 24th district (2017–present)[15]
- Tim Bearden, state senator from the 30th district (2024–present)[15]
- Matt Brass,state senator from the 28th district (2017–present)[15]
- Max Burns, state senator from the 23rd district (2021–present)[15]
- Clint Dixon, state senator from the 45th district (2021–present)[15]
- Greg Dolezal, state senator from the 27th district (2019–present)[15]
- Drew Echols,state senator from the 49th district (2025–present)[15]
- Steve Gooch, state senator from the 51st district (2011–present)[15]
- Russ Goodman, state senator from the 8th district (2021–present)[15]
- Marty Harbin, state senator from the 16th district (2015–present)[15]
- Bo Hatchett, state senator from the 50th district (2021–present)[15]
- Billy Hickman, state senator from the 4th district (2020–present)[15]
- Mike Hodges, state senator from the 3rd district (2023–present)[15]
- Chuck Hufstetler, state senator from the 52nd district (2013–present)[15]
- John F. Kennedy, state senator from the 18th district (2015–present)[15]
- Kay Kirkpatrick, state senator from the 32nd district (2017–present)[15]
- Randy Robertson, state senator from the 29th district (2019–present)[15]
- Shawn Still, state senator from the 48th district (2023–present)[15]
- Carden Summers, state senator from the 13th district (2020–present)[15]
- Blake Tillery, state senator from the 19th district (2017–present)[15]
- Larry Walker III, state senator from the 20th district (2015–present)[15]
- Ben Watson, state senator from the 1st district (2015–present)[15]
- Sam Watson, state senator from the 11th district (2023–present)[15]
- Rick Williams, state senator from the 25th district (2023–present)[15]
- Victor Anderson, state representative from the 10th district (2021–present)[15]
- James Burchett, state representative from the 176th district (2019–present)[15]
- Beth Camp, state representative from the 135th district (2023–present) and 131st district (2021–2023)[15]
- Charles Cannon, state representative from the 172nd district (2023–present)[15]
- Mike Cheokas, state representative (2005–2017, 2019–present)[15]
- David Clark, state representative from the 100th district (2023–present) and 98th district (2015–2023)[15]
- Clint Crowe, state representative from the 118th district (2023–present) and 110th district (2021–2023)[15]
- Buddy DeLoach, state representative from the 167th district (2021–present), 127th district (2003–2005) and 172nd district (1995–2003)[15]
- Robert Dickey, state representative from the 145th district (2023–present) and 140th district (2011–2023)[15]
- Emory Dunahoo, state representative from the 30th district (2011–present)[15]
- Ginny Ehrhart, state representative from the 36th district (2019–present)[15]
- Tim Fleming, state representative from the 114th district (2023–present)[15]
- Lehman Franklin, state representative from the 160th district (2023–present)[15]
- Gerald Greene, state representative (1983–present)[15][a]
- Lee Hawkins, state representative from the 27th district (2013–present)[15]
- Justin Howard, state representative from the 71st district (2025–present)[15]
- Rick Jasperse, state representative from the 11th district (2010–present)[15]
- Todd Jones, state representative from the 25th district (2017–present)[15]
- Noelle Kahaian, state representative from the 81st district (2025–present)[15]
- John LaHood, state representative from the 175th district (2018–present)[15]
- Eddie Lumsden, state representative from the 12th district (2013–present)[15]
- Reynaldo Martinez, state representative from the 111th district (2023–present)[15]
- Danny Mathis, state representative from the 149th district (2023–present) and 144th district (2019–2023)[15]
- Karen Mathiak, state representative from the 82nd district (2025–present), 74th district (2023–2025) and 73rd district (2017–2023)[15]
- Mark Newton, state representative from the 127th district (2023–present) and 123rd district (2017–2023)[15]
- Jesse Petrea, state representative from the 166th district (2015–present)[15]
- Alan Powell, state representative (1991–present)[15][b]
- Trey Rhodes, state representative from the 124th district (2023–present) and 120th district (2015–2023)[15]
- Gary Richardson, state representative from the 125th district (2024–present)[15]
- Jason Ridley, state representative from the 6th district (2017–present)[15]
- Devan Seabaugh, state representative from the 34th district (2021–present)[15]
- Lynn Smith, state representative from the 70th district (2005–present), 87th district (2003–2005) and 103rd district (1997–2003)[15]
- Tyler Smith, state representative from the 18th district (2021–present)[15]
- Ron Stephens, state representative from the 164th district (2005–present), 123rd district (2003–2005) and 150th district (1997–2003)[15]
- Steve Tarvin, state representative from the 2nd district (2014–present)[15]
- Dale Washburn, state representative from the 144th district (2023–present) and 141st district (2019–2023)[15]
- Bruce Williamson, state representative from the 112th district (2023–present), 115th district (2013–2023) and 111th district (2011–2013)[15]
- Noel Williams Jr., state representative from the 148th district (2019–present)[15]
- Ed Setzler, former state representative from the 35th district (2005–2023)[15]
- Marcus Wiedower, former state representative from the 121st district (2023–2025) and 119th district (2019–2023)[15]
- Individuals
- Jason Aldean, singer[16]
Fundraising
[edit]| Campaign finance reports as of June 30, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Chris Carr (R) | $3,439,652 | $770,793 | $2,668,859 |
| Burt Jones (R)* | $1,025,186 | $4,881,542 | $143,644 |
| Brad Raffensperger (R)* | $3,164,392 | $3,116,064 | $48,328 |
| Source: Georgia Campaign Finance Commission[17] | |||
- Campaign account for previous office.
Polling
[edit]| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[c] |
Margin of error |
Brad Raffensperger |
Burt Jones |
Chris Carr |
Clark Dean |
Ken Yasger |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia School of Public and International Affairs[18][A] | October 15–23, 2025 | 1,000 (LV) | ± 3.1% | 15% | 22% | 7% | 1% | – | 55% |
| Quantus Insights (R)[19] | October 13–14, 2025 | 900 (RV) | ± 3.2% | 15% | 32% | 12% | 2% | 1% | 38% |
| 20/20 Insight[20] | September 25–28, 2023 | 245 (LV) | ± 6.3% | – | 18% | 9% | – | – | 73% |
Hypothetical polling
Democratic primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Olujimi Brown, church founder[22]
- Geoff Duncan, former Republican Lieutenant Governor of Georgia (2019–2023)[23]
- Jason Esteves, former state senator from the 35th district (2023–2025)[24]
- Derrick Jackson, state representative (2017–2023, 2023–present) and candidate for lieutenant governor in 2022[25]
- Keisha Lance Bottoms, former director of the Office of Public Engagement (2022–2023) and former mayor of Atlanta (2018–2022)[26]
- Ruwa Romman, state representative from the 97th district (2023–present)[27]
- Mike Thurmond, former DeKalb County CEO (2017–2025), former Georgia Labor Commissioner (1999–2011), and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2010[28]
Declined
[edit]- Jason Carter, former state senator from the 42nd district (2010–2015), grandson of former governor and president Jimmy Carter, and nominee for governor in 2014[24] (endorsed Esteves)[29]
- Lucy McBath, U.S. representative from Georgia's 6th congressional district (2019–present)[30]
Endorsements
[edit]Keisha Lance Bottoms
- State legislators
- Nadine Thomas, former state senator from the 10th district (1993–2005)[31]
- Local officials
- Burrell Ellis, former DeKalb County CEO (2009–2017)[31]
- Labor unions
Jason Esteves
- State legislators
- Bryce Berry, state representative from the 56th district (2025–present)[32]
- Jason Carter, former state senator from the 42nd district (2010–2015)[29]
- Saira Draper, state representative from the 90th district (2023–present)[32]
- Donzella James, state senator from the 35th district (1994–2002, 2009–present)[32]
- RaShaun Kemp, state senator from the 38th district (2025–present)[32]
- Phil Olaleye, state representative from the 59th district (2023–present)[32]
- Nan Orrock, state senator from the 36th district (2007–present)[32]
- Elena Parent, state senator from the 42nd district (2015–present)[32]
- Local officials
- Doug Shipman, president of the Atlanta City Council (2022–present)[32]
- Ted Terry, DeKalb County commissioner from the 6th district (2021–present)[32]
- Labor unions
- Organizations
Fundraising
[edit]| Campaign finance reports as of June 30, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) | $1,125,668 | $32,973 | $1,092,695 |
| Olujimi Brown (D) | $32,869 | $16,648 | $16,221 |
| Jason Esteves (D) | $1,178,320 | $214,563 | $963,757 |
| Derrick Jackson (D) | $88,211 | $29,877 | $58,334 |
| Source: Georgia Campaign Finance Commission[17] | |||
Polling
[edit]| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[c] |
Margin of error |
Olujimi Brown |
Derrick Jackson |
Geoff Duncan |
Jason Esteves |
Keisha Lance Bottoms |
Michael Thurmond |
Ruwa Romman |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Georgia School of Public and International Affairs[18][A] | October 13–21, 2025 | 1,000 (LV) | ± 3.1% | – | 1% | 5% | 3% | 40% | 11% | 1% | 39% |
| Frederick Polls (D)[35][B] | September 23–25, 2025 | 1,513 (LV) | ± 2.5% | 2% | 2% | 17% | 10% | 43% | 25% | – | – |
| Public Policy Polling (D)[36][C] | September 15–16, 2025 | 620 (LV) | – | 1% | 2% | 9% | 4% | 38% | 12% | – | 43% |
Hypothetical polling
General election
[edit]Predictions
[edit]| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[37] | Tossup | September 11, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[38] | Tilt R | August 28, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[39] | Lean R | September 4, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[40] | Tossup | September 11, 2025 |
Notes
[edit]- ^ Greene represented the 130th district (1983–1993), 158th district (1993–2003), 134th district (2003–2005) as a Democrat. He represented the 149th district (2005–2013) as both a Democrat and a Republican, switching parties in 2010. He has since represented the 151st district (2013–2023) and 154th district (2023–present) as a Republican.
- ^ Powell served as a Democrat from 1991 to 1993 for the 13th district and 1993 to 2005 for the 23rd district. He represented the 29th district from 2005 to 2013, defecting from the party in 2010. He went on to serve as a Republican from 2013 to 2023 for the 32nd district, and from 2023 to now for the 33rd district.
- ^ a b c d Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear
Partisan clients
- ^ a b Poll sponsored by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
- ^ Poll sponsored by Center for Strong Public Schools Action Fund, a center-left nonprofit organization
- ^ Poll sponsored by Bottoms's campaign
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Van Brimmer, Adam (January 15, 2023). "Kemp inauguration: Governor's bid for higher office begins. Will it be Senate? President?". Savannah Morning News. Archived from the original on May 13, 2023. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg (March 16, 2023). "Abrams says she will 'likely run again.' That doesn't excite some Democrats". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ISSN 1539-7459. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
- ^ Vakil, Caroline (November 4, 2025). "Democrats win key Georgia special elections seen as midterm bellwethers". The Hill. Retrieved November 12, 2025.
- ^ Jones, Emily (November 6, 2025). "What Georgia Democrats' PSC wins could mean for power bills and the midterm elections". WABE. Retrieved November 12, 2025.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg (November 21, 2024). "Georgia AG Chris Carr launches GOP campaign for governor, kicking off 2026 race". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved November 21, 2024.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg (September 13, 2025). "Clark Dean preps outsider-themed GOP run for Georgia governor". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ISSN 1539-7459. Archived from the original on September 13, 2025. Retrieved September 14, 2025.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg (July 8, 2025). "Burt Jones enters Georgia governor's race with Trump-aligned platform". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
- ^ Lupiani, Joyce; Tuman, Lindsay (September 17, 2025). "Brad Raffensperger announces run for Georgia governor". WAGA-TV. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
- ^ Johnson, Patrick (November 2, 2023). "Southern, out, and electable: Sexual identity is not the deciding factor". Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved June 15, 2025.
- ^ Solender, Andrew (December 12, 2024). "GOP Rep. Ciscomani passes on run for Arizona governor". Axios. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) is not considering a run for Senate or governor and his 'focused on and happy serving [Northeast] GA in the House,' a spokesperson said.
- ^ Daughtry, Will (February 6, 2025). "Amid primary challenge, Rep. Andrew Clyde talks 2026 reelection bid". WDUN-FM. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
- ^ Amy, Jeff (July 29, 2025). "Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene won't run for governor in 2026". Associated Press. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
- ^ Press (September 24, 2025). "53 Sheriffs Endorse Chris Carr for Governor". The Georgia Virtue. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
- ^ Wendler, Jacob (August 11, 2025). "Trump endorses Lt. Gov. Burt Jones for Georgia governor". Politico. Retrieved August 11, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn "State Legislators and Sheriffs Endorse Lt. Governor Burt Jones for Governor". Lanier County News. September 22, 2025. Retrieved November 13, 2025.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg (August 27, 2025). "Jones tries to straddle Trump loyalty and broad appeal in Georgia governor's launch". AJC Politics. Retrieved November 24, 2025.
- ^ a b "Search for Candidates/Campaign Committees". Georgia Campaign Finance Commission.
- ^ a b Bluestein, Greg (November 5, 2025). "Keisha Lance Bottoms, Burt Jones lead in Georgia governor's race". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
- ^ "Quantus Georgia Poll: The Base is Listening, Not Following". Quantus Insights. October 15, 2025. Retrieved October 15, 2025.
- ^ a b "20-20 Insight, LLC - Poll of Georgia Likely Voters" (PDF). DocumentCloud. September 29, 2023. Retrieved April 29, 2025.
- ^ "Georgia GOP Voters Put Education Freedom Front and Center" (PDF). yes. every kid. Foundation. September 18, 2025. Retrieved November 18, 2025.
- ^ Poole, Shelia (August 29, 2024). "Impact Church's former pastor, Olu Brown, announces bid for Georgia governor". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on August 29, 2024. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
- ^ Schneider, Elena. "Former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan runs for Georgia governor — as a Democrat". Politico. Retrieved September 16, 2025.
- ^ a b Amy, Jeff (April 21, 2025). "Georgia Democrat Jason Esteves says he's running for governor in 2026". Associated Press. Retrieved April 21, 2025.
- ^ Mitchell, Tia (June 3, 2025). "State Rep. Derrick Jackson is latest Democrat to launch bid for governor". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved June 3, 2025.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg (May 20, 2025). "Bottoms enters race for Georgia governor with pledge to fight Trumpism". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ISSN 1539-7459. Retrieved May 20, 2025.
- ^ Amy, Jeff (September 29, 2025). "Ruwa Romman, with a history of Palestinian advocacy, enters the Georgia governor's race". Associated Press. Retrieved September 29, 2025.
- ^ Darnell, Tim (August 6, 2025). "Michael Thurmond announces 2026 Georgia governor's bid". WANF. Retrieved August 6, 2025.
- ^ a b Vakil, Caroline (October 15, 2025). "Jason Carter endorses Jason Esteves in Democratic primary for Georgia governor". The Hill. Retrieved October 15, 2025.
- ^ "Rep. Lucy McBath says she will not campaign for governor". WXIA-TV. July 16, 2025. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
- ^ a b c Jarrett, Kim (August 14, 2025). "Big endorsements a year before Georgia's gubernatorial election". The Center Square. Retrieved September 11, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Darnell, Tim (May 29, 2025). "Esteves picks up 18 Atlanta endorsements in Democratic governor's primary". WANF. Retrieved June 5, 2025.
- ^ "Senator Esteves is a proud member of the Democratic Party and will also be running for governor in 2026. he is a passionate advocate for building a Georgia where families can thrive". Teamsters Local 528.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg; Mitchell, Tia; Murphy, Patricia; Beam, Adam. "Latino Victory Fund backs Jason Esteves in Democratic primary for governor". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ "Poll Results: Georgia Democratic Primary for Governor and Opinions on Education Issues" (PDF). Frederick Polls. October 4, 2025. Retrieved November 6, 2025.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg; Mitchell, Tia; Murphy, Patricia; Beam, Adam (September 25, 2025). "Bottoms up? Poll shows why name recognition matters in governor's race". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
- ^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
- ^ "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
External links
[edit]Official campaign websites
- Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) for Governor
- Olujimi Brown (D) for Governor
- Chris Carr (R) for Governor
- Clark Dean (R) for Governor
- Geoff Duncan (D) for Governor
- Jason Esteves (D) for Governor
- Derrick Jackson (D) for Governor
- Burt Jones (R) for Governor
- Brad Raffensperger (R) for Governor
- Ruwa Romman (D) for Governor
- Mike Thurmond (D) for Governor
- Ken Yasger (R) for Governor