The 2026 race for governor in Georgia is open, and both major parties already have crowded fields of candidates.

Quick Scoop: Who’s Running for Governor in Georgia?

Republican candidates

The Republican primary is wide open because Gov. Brian Kemp is term‑limited and can’t run again in 2026.

Current notable Republican candidates include:

  • Burt Jones – Lieutenant Governor of Georgia since 2023, positioning himself as Kemp’s successor with strong support from the party’s Trump-aligned wing.
  • Chris Carr – Georgia Attorney General, in office since 2016, running as a traditional conservative focused on public safety and business issues.
  • Brad Raffensperger – Secretary of State since 2019, nationally known for his role in the 2020 election disputes, now running on an elections‑integrity and good‑governance message.
  • Rick Jackson – Healthcare executive, a political outsider emphasizing business experience.
  • Clark Dean – Real estate executive, also pitching private‑sector credentials.
  • Ken Yasger – Member of the Georgia Army National Guard, a lesser‑known candidate emphasizing service and security.

Polling so far suggests Burt Jones, Chris Carr, and Brad Raffensperger are the best‑known Republicans, but there is still a large share of undecided voters.

Democratic candidates

On the Democratic side, multiple prominent figures have jumped in, making it one of the most competitive Democratic gubernatorial primaries Georgia has seen in years.

Key Democratic candidates include:

  • Keisha Lance Bottoms – Former mayor of Atlanta, running on expanding Medicaid, improving public education, and small‑business support.
  • Geoff Duncan – Former Republican lieutenant governor (2019–2023) who switched parties to become a Democrat and is now running as a centrist focused on “post‑Trump” politics.
  • Jason Esteves – State legislator and former Atlanta school board chair, emphasizing education and economic mobility.
  • Michael Thurmond – DeKalb County CEO and longtime Democratic officeholder with prior statewide experience, bringing a record in labor and public administration.
  • Three additional Democrats are also in the race but with less fundraising, polling strength, or media attention so far.

Snapshot table: main 2026 Georgia governor contenders

[5][1] [5][1] [1] [1] [1] [1] [3] [3] [3] [8][3]
Candidate Party Current/Former Role Notable angle in the race
Burt Jones Republican Lieutenant Governor of Georgia Trump‑aligned conservative, strong base support.
Chris Carr Republican Attorney General of Georgia Establishment conservative, law‑and‑order focus.
Brad Raffensperger Republican Secretary of State of Georgia Known for standing by 2020 election results, running on integrity.
Rick Jackson Republican Healthcare executive Business‑oriented outsider.
Clark Dean Republican Real estate executive Private‑sector focus.
Ken Yasger Republican Georgia Army National Guard member Service and security message.
Keisha Lance Bottoms Democrat Former Atlanta mayor Medicaid expansion, schools, help for small businesses.
Geoff Duncan Democrat (former GOP) Former lieutenant governor Ex‑Republican centrist, party‑switch story.
Jason Esteves Democrat State legislator, former school board chair Strong focus on education and opportunity.
Michael Thurmond Democrat DeKalb County CEO, former statewide official Experienced statewide Democrat with a governing track record.

Why this race is a big deal

Georgia has become one of the most closely watched swing states in the country, and an open governor’s seat in 2026 means both parties see this as a major prize.

The race also reflects bigger national trends: intraparty fights between more traditional conservatives and Trump‑aligned Republicans on one side, and between moderates and progressives on the Democratic side.

What to watch next

  • Primary date: May 19, 2026 for both parties.
  • Possible runoffs if no candidate wins a majority in their primary.
  • Endorsements, fundraising, and early polls, which are already showing tight margins and lots of undecided voters.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.