Governor Georgia in Statewide, Georgia

2026 Primary Election

• Amanda Duffy — Candidate for Governor in GA

  Amanda Duffy, a Democratic candidate for Governor of Georgia in 2026, describes herself as a working-class mother focused on representing families overlooked by traditional politics. She earned a high school diploma and an associate degree in 2010, and has a background in accounting. Her campaign emphasizes ensuring all Georgians can thrive. Key policy positions include supporting full Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion, assessing the discontinuation of Georgia Pathways to Coverage, and establishing a state wholesale prescription importation program from Canada. In education, she aims to modify the public school curriculum to prioritize critical thinking, reduce stress, and implement social-emotional learning programs to prevent bullying.

• Derrick L Jackson — Incumbent State Representative in Atlanta, GA

  Derrick Jackson is a Georgia State Representative who has announced his candidacy for Governor in the 2026 primary election. A retired Naval Officer and Adjunct Professor, he currently serves the state and is married to CaMia. Jackson is campaigning on key issues, notably emphasizing the importance of Medicaid expansion for Georgia residents. He resides in Atlanta, bringing a background in public service and education to his gubernatorial bid.

• Geoffrey Lynn Duncan Jr. — Candidate for Governor in Cumming, GA

  Geoff Duncan, former Republican Lieutenant Governor of Georgia, is now running for governor as a Democrat in 2026. He served one term as Lt. Governor from 2019-2023 before a public split with the Republican party, partly due to his criticism of Donald Trump. Duncan’s platform focuses on affordability, pledging to address rising costs in childcare, healthcare, and housing. He supports Medicaid expansion and increased funding for rural hospitals. He is campaigning against extremism, aiming to make Georgia a “front line of democracy” and a “backstop against extremism,” while also opposing Trump's immigration tactics.

• Jason Fernando Esteves — Incumbent State Senator in Atlanta, GA

  Jason Fernando Esteves is a Democratic State Senator from Georgia, announced as a candidate for Governor in 2026. He currently serves as the Incumbent State Senator for District 6, which includes parts of Fulton (Atlanta) and Cobb counties. Esteves previously held the position of at-large representative and Board Chair for the Atlanta Public Schools Board of Education. In his professional career, he is a Vice President at Equifax Inc., where he oversees regulatory matters, risk mitigation, and sensitive investigations. He is also a former litigation associate with McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP and is an alumnus of Emory University School of Law. Esteves is scheduled to resign from his Senate seat in September 2025, ahead of his gubernatorial campaign.

• Keisha R Lance Bottoms — Attorney in GA

  Keisha Lance Bottoms is an American attorney and Democratic politician. She served as the 60th mayor of Atlanta, Georgia (2018-2022), and previously on the Atlanta City Council. Her public service also includes roles in the Biden administration as director of the White House Office of Public Engagement and an appointment to the President's Export Council. Bottoms announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Governor of Georgia in 2026 on April 4, 2025. She is running to fight for Georgia families, offering stable leadership and addressing uncertainty, believing her mayoral experience prepared her to lead. Her platform focuses on expanding Medicaid, eliminating state income taxes for teachers, cracking down on corporate landlords, and increasing education funding.

• Michael "mike" Thurmond — Former DeKalb County CEO in Stone Mountain, GA

  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.

• Olu Brown — Author, Speaker, and Consultant in GA

  Olu Brown is a candidate for Governor of Georgia, actively campaigning under the banner "Olu For Governor." His professional background is deeply rooted in personal and leadership development, showcased through his authorship of books such as "Faith: 4 Essential Practices" and "Normalizing Next Your Next Bulk Book Orders." Brown extends his expertise through various services, including coaching, consulting, and speaking engagements, indicating a focus on guidance and strategic thought. While specific policy positions are not detailed, his platform appears to be built on principles of faith, growth, and forward-thinking, which he aims to bring to the governorship of Georgia.

• Brad Raffensperger — Incumbent Secretary of State of Georgia in GA

  Brad Raffensperger is a Republican candidate for Governor of Georgia in the 2026 election. An engineering entrepreneur, he is the CEO of Tendon Systems, LLC. He previously served in the Georgia House of Representatives and has been Georgia's Secretary of State since 2019. Raffensperger gained national attention for refusing to overturn the state's 2020 election results. With degrees in civil engineering and business, he advocates for a conservative platform, emphasizing leaner government, cost reduction, and public safety. The latter is a deeply personal issue, following the loss of his son to a fentanyl overdose. He aims to bring business-style efficiency to state government.

• Burt Jones — Incumbent Lieutenant Governor of Georgia in Jackson, Georgia, GA

  Burt Jones is the 13th Lieutenant Governor of Georgia, having assumed office in 2023. Born April 25, 1979, in Jackson, Georgia, he is a sixth-generation Georgian and a Republican. He holds a B.S. in history from the University of Georgia. Prior to his current role, he served as a Georgia State Senator from 2013 to 2023 and founded JP Capital & Insurance, Inc. Jones officially entered the 2026 gubernatorial race, campaigning to eliminate Georgia's state income tax, cut regulations, and bolster public safety and education. He is endorsed by President Donald Trump.

• Christopher Michael Carr — Incumbent Attorney General of Georgia in Dunwoody, GA

  Christopher Michael Carr, a Republican born in 1972, has served as Georgia's Attorney General since 2016, initially appointed by Governor Nathan Deal. He was elected to full terms in 2018 and 2022. Carr announced his candidacy for Governor of Georgia in the 2026 Republican primary on November 21, 2024, focusing on maintaining the state's leadership in jobs and safety. His policy stances include improving affordability by cutting income and property taxes, and reducing regulations. He defends Georgia's six-week abortion ban and opposes Medicaid expansion, advocating for state-specific healthcare solutions. Carr previously served as Georgia's economic development director.

• Clark Headrick Dean — Businessman in GA

  Clark Dean is a Republican candidate running for Governor of Georgia in the 2026 primary election. An Alabama-born, Harvard-educated business executive and founder of a company aiding other organizations, Dean has lived and worked in Georgia for years. He positions himself as a political outsider, hoping to bring business efficiency to government. His platform focuses on early childhood education, workforce development, and healthcare, particularly maternal mortality and women's health. Dean believes he offers a refreshing new choice to voters, aiming to capitalize on a perceived lack of enthusiasm for other candidates in the crowded primary.

• Gregg Rodne Kirkpatrick — Entrepreneur in GA

  Gregg Rodne Kirkpatrick, a Republican, is seeking to become Governor of Georgia in the 2026 Primary Election. A seasoned entrepreneur in the high-tech industry, he holds a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Kirkpatrick is running to introduce innovative leadership and improve the quality of life in Georgia. His platform includes plans to eliminate state income taxes, reduce and eventually remove property taxes, and restore affordability for housing, groceries, and energy. He also prioritizes election integrity, advocating for the removal of Dominion voting machines and a return to paper ballots.

• Ken Yasger — Candidate for Governor in GA

  Ken Yasger is a Republican candidate for Governor of Georgia in the 2026 election, campaigning as a political outsider and a fresh start. A U.S. Army and Georgia Army National Guard veteran, he advocates for a new era of responsible, Conservative leadership. His key proposals include eliminating Georgia's Income Tax and temporarily suspending the Gas Tax for financial relief. He also seeks to reform educator pay by capping administrative salaries and redirecting funds to teachers. Yasger supports the regulatory legalization of marijuana for recreational use and legalizing gambling, with tax revenue dedicated to education. He emphasizes mental health resources for gun violence, opposing additional firearm restrictions. Yasger's campaign prioritizes community engagement and GOP unity.

• Rick Jackson — Businessman, Founder and CEO of Jackson Healthcare in Alpharetta, GA

  Rick Jackson, a 71-year-old healthcare business owner, launched his Republican campaign for Governor of Georgia in February 2026. He is bidding to succeed the term-limited Governor Brian Kemp. Describing himself as a "real-life conservative," Jackson aims to differentiate himself from "career politicians." His policy platform includes freezing Georgia's property tax and halving the state's income tax. He also supports increasing prescription drug manufacturing in the United States. Regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), he believes in diversity and inclusion but rejects equity, which he calls "communism," despite his company, Jackson Healthcare, having previously touted DEI policies. He has indicated he will self-fund a significant portion of his campaign.