Full Breakdown
Georgia's 2026 Governor and Senate Races Heat Up
3/7/2026, 5:08:26 AM
Candidate Qualifying and Upcoming Primaries
As of March 6, 2026, Georgia's candidate qualifying period for the upcoming midterm elections has concluded, revealing a competitive field for both the governor and U.S. Senate races. The primary elections are scheduled for May 19, with a potential runoff on June 16, and the general election set for November 3. Notably, incumbent Governor Brian Kemp is not seeking re-election due to term limits, creating an open race among candidates from both major parties.
Republican Candidates for Governor
The Republican field includes eight candidates, with notable figures such as Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Attorney General Chris Carr, and healthcare executive Rick Jackson, who recently entered the race. Jackson's entry has been described as a significant development, as he aims to leverage his financial resources to gain traction. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, remains confident in his established support base despite Jackson's late entry. Other candidates include Clark Dean, Gregg Kirkpatrick, and Ken Yasger.
Democratic Candidates for Governor
The Democratic side features a diverse group, including former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who is viewed as a frontrunner. Bottoms emphasizes issues such as affordability and education, aiming to appeal to a broader electorate. Other candidates include Geoff Duncan, Jason Esteves, and former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. The Democratic primary is particularly crucial as the party seeks to break a 24-year drought in winning the governorship.
U.S. Senate Race Dynamics
In the Senate race, incumbent Jon Ossoff faces challenges from Republican contenders including U.S. Reps. Mike Collins and Buddy Carter, as well as former football coach Derek Dooley. Ossoff's campaign focuses on the need for checks and balances against Trump-era policies, while his opponents emphasize their alignment with Trump's agenda. Recent polling indicates Ossoff holds a lead over potential Republican challengers, with a significant portion of undecided voters remaining.
Polling Insights
Recent Emerson College polling shows Ossoff leading Collins by 47% to 44%, with a notable advantage among independent voters. In the Republican primary, Collins leads with 30% support, followed by Carter at 16% and Dooley at 10%. The Democratic primary shows Bottoms leading with 35%, while Duncan and Thurmond trail significantly.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics within the Republican Party express concerns over Raffensperger's candidacy, stemming from his refusal to support Trump's claims of election fraud in 2020. This sentiment reflects a broader tension within the party as candidates navigate their relationships with Trump and the party's base. On the Democratic side, some candidates question Bottoms' commitment to the party, citing her previous tenure as mayor and her decision not to seek re-election.
Conclusion
As Georgia's political landscape evolves, the upcoming primaries will be pivotal in shaping the state's future leadership. With a diverse array of candidates and pressing issues such as the economy and healthcare at the forefront, both parties are gearing up for a competitive election cycle. The outcomes of these races could have significant implications not only for Georgia but also for national politics.
