Georgia gubernatorial candidates made their pitches to voters a year ahead of the 2026 election during a forum hosted by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Vernon Jones, a former Democratic state representative who switched parties to support President Donald Trump, has announced his candidacy for Georgia's secretary of state.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger says he’s running for governor in 2026, likely aiming his appeal at Republicans who have at times been lukewarm on Trump.
Gabriel Sterling, known for defending Georgia's 2020 election results, is running for the state's secretary of state. The 54-year-old announced his candidacy Thursday.
Two more Republicans have joined the growing list of candidates vying to become Georgia lieutenant governor in next year's election: state Sen. Blake Tillery and state Rep. David Clark.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr is suing Lt. Gov. Burt Jones over how Jones is financing his campaign as both Republicans run for governor in 2026. Carr claims Jones' ability to use a special leadership committee gives him an unfair advantage by allowing unlimited fundraising.
Democrat Michael Thurmond has announced his bid for governor of Georgia in 2026. The 72-year-old Thurmond was elected statewide three times as labor commissioner before losing a U.S. Senate race in 2010.
Former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley has announced his 2026 Republican bid for the U.S. Senate in Georgia. He is running against Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff.
From February through June 30, Carr was the only major Republican candidate but faces potential GOP primary competition from Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Democrats, including former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and State Sen. Jason Esteves, have also begun fundraising.
Georgia state Rep. Derrick Jackson, a metro Atlanta Democrat, is running for governor. He will join three other Democrats in a race without a clear frontrunner after two high-profile candidates decided not to run.
