State Senate District 1 in Georgia State Senate District 1, Georgia

2026 Primary Election

• Barbara Gooby — Retired administrative/executive assistant in Savannah, GA

  Barbara Gooby is a passionate advocate running for Georgia State Senate District 1 in 2026. A Savannah resident since 2005, she brings over 30 years of experience as an administrative/executive assistant in higher education, along with degrees in Political Science, Law, and Mental Health Counseling. Her campaign prioritizes expanded voting rights, affordable housing, improved public education, reproductive autonomy, common sense gun laws, and protecting civil rights. She is dedicated to community service, transparency, and ensuring every voice is heard, aiming to address critical issues like healthcare affordability and beat the long-time incumbent.

• Corey Foreman — Chair of the Bryan County Democratic Committee in Eden, GA, GA

  Corey Foreman is a Democratic candidate for Georgia State Senate District 1 in the 2026 primary election. He is the Chair of the Bryan County Democratic Committee and a U.S. Army veteran (2014-2017). His professional background includes business, construction, and property rehabilitation. Foreman's campaign priorities include expanding Medicaid, addressing housing affordability, strengthening infrastructure, and expanding workforce development. He advocates for protecting reproductive freedom, supporting veterans, environmental protection, and transparent government. Foreman is running to ensure communities have leaders who prioritize people. He has also pledged to support congressional term limits.

• Benjamin Luther Watson — Incumbent State Senator and Medical Doctor in Savannah, GA

  Ben Watson is an incumbent Georgia State Senator representing District 1. A medical doctor by profession, he was first sworn into the Georgia House of Representatives in 2011 before being sworn into the State Senate in 2015. He currently serves as Chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee and Vice Chairman of the Rules Committee, among other roles. Senator Watson, who is married to Bernice and identifies as Anglican, is seeking re-election in the Republican primary for State Senate District 1 on May 19, 2026. His current term concludes in January 2027.