2026 Georgia gubernatorial election
Georgia’s 2026 gubernatorial race will decide who succeeds term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp. The contest is drawing attention because Georgia remains a closely divided swing state, and the race is shaping up around contrasts over taxes and cost of living, Medicaid expansion, education, and the role of state government in economic development and regulation.
Candidates
Chris Carr is Georgia’s attorney general and a Republican candidate for governor in 2026. In recent campaign and official statements, he has emphasized public safety, consumer protection, and lowering costs, including backing the state’s temporary gas-tax suspension enforcement effort.
Keisha Lance Bottoms is the former mayor of Atlanta and a Democratic candidate for governor in 2026. She has said her campaign will focus on affordability, Medicaid expansion, teacher pay, and limiting the influence of corporate landlords, while highlighting her experience in city government and the Biden administration.
Jason Esteves is a Democratic state senator from Atlanta and a candidate for governor in 2026. His campaign has recently emphasized a statewide tour, education, housing affordability, labor support, and ending tax breaks for data centers.
Michael Thurmond is a Democrat and former DeKalb County CEO who entered the 2026 Georgia governor’s race. He has said he wants to focus on the cost of living and improving everyday life for Georgians, drawing on experience in county government, the legislature, and as Georgia labor commissioner.
Polling
Candidate matchup reported without percentage values.
Candidate matchup reported without percentage values.
Data Analysis Information
Data compiled from public sources and analyzed using AI. Last updated 4/6/2026. Visit candidate websites for the most current information.