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Republican candidates for Georgia governor stand at podiums during the 2026 Atlanta Press Club debates on Monday, April 27.
Credit: GPB News
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Gubernatorial hopefuls debate, make their case to voters at Atlanta Press Club, GPB debates
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LISTEN: On Monday, The Atlanta Press Club and Georgia Public Broadcasting hosted debates featuring both Democratic and Republican hopefuls for governor, as a part of the Loudermilk-Young Debate Series. GPB's Chase McGee reports.
On Monday, The Atlanta Press Club and Georgia Public Broadcasting hosted debates featuring both Democratic and Republican hopefuls for governor, as a part of the Loudermilk-Young Debate Series.
Eight Republicans and seven Democrats took the stage in two separate debates, all vying to be their party’s nominee for the gubernatorial election this fall.
A majority of the 15 candidates messaged on affordability.
Attorney General Chris Carr said as much in his opening statement during the Republican debate.
"We've got make we focus on jobs and safety," he said. "We've gotta focus on affordability and housing and making sure we that we stay the model for the nation."
"Georgians see what's happening in Trump's economy," Democrat Jason Esteves, a former state senator, said in his opening statement. "Billionaires and special interests are lining their pockets while you pay the bill."
Some Democrats seemed largely skeptical of Geoff Duncan, a former lieutenant governor and Republican under Brian Kemp, who announced he changed parties last August.
On the Republican stage, Rick Jackson and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones sparred over the finances behind their campaigns.
Early primary voting has begun. It ends May 15, and election day is May 19.
To watch this and other debates in this election in full, visit www.gpb.org/election/press-club-debates.
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