Michael "mike" Thurmond

Former DeKalb County CEO in Stone Mountain, GA

Michael "mike" Thurmond is a candidate for Governor Georgia in Statewide, Georgia — 2026 Primary Election.

Also running: Amanda Duffy, Derrick L Jackson, Geoffrey Lynn Duncan Jr., Jason Fernando Esteves, Keisha R Lance Bottoms, Olu Brown, Brad Raffensperger, Burt Jones, Christopher Michael Carr, Clark Headrick Dean, Gregg Rodne Kirkpatrick, Ken Yasger, Rick Jackson, Thomas E Williams.

Michael "Mike" Thurmond, a 72-year-old Democrat, has launched his 2026 bid for Georgia governor, aiming to become the state's first Black governor and the first Democrat to win the top office in 28 years. He seeks to bridge racial and political divides, focusing on "kitchen table issues" like the cost of groceries, rent, healthcare access, and improving schools. Thurmond has a long history in public service, including three terms as Georgia Labor Commissioner, former DeKalb County CEO, and the first Black state legislator from Athens since Reconstruction. He previously ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2010 and is also an author.