Political Editor Savannah Witt
Published Apr 6, 2026
Eight candidates debated at a Georgia governor forum ahead of May 19 primaries. Chris Carr, Burt Jones lead GOP; Keisha Lance Bottoms, others vie for Democrats in open race.
Open Field Leaves Kemp's Seat Vulnerable
Governor Brian Kemp's term limit forces Republicans to scramble for a replacement in the November 3 general election. His departure creates a power vacuum after years of steady GOP control at the statehouse. Democrats see an opening to flip the governorship for the first time since 2003.
The race details show a crowded primary slate. Republicans must navigate internal divisions without Kemp's endorsement machine. The forum drew just two GOP contenders, signaling how the field splinters early.
Republicans Split on Trump Loyalty
Chris Carr, the Attorney General, brings statewide name recognition from defending Kemp's election security measures. Burt Jones, the Lieutenant Governor, appeals to the party's right flank with his vocal support for Trump-era policies. Brad Raffensperger, Secretary of State, fights baggage from refusing to overturn 2020 results.
- Chris Carr: Attorney General, focuses on law enforcement expansion.
- Burt Jones: Lt. Gov., pushes tax cuts and school choice.
- Brad Raffensperger: Sec. of State, emphasizes election integrity.
Two Republicans at the Atlanta forum traded barbs on economic recovery. Carr attacked Jones for legislative gridlock. Jones countered that Carr's legal focus distracts from job growth. Raffensperger skipped the event, a calculated absence to avoid early scuffles.
Democrats Crowd Primary with Big Names
Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Atlanta mayor, leverages urban credentials and national Democratic ties. Mike Thurmond, ex-DeKalb County CEO, touts executive experience in metro government. Geoff Duncan, former Republican Lt. Gov. who switched parties, pitches bipartisan appeal.
| Candidate | Background | Forum Presence |
|---|
| Keisha Lance Bottoms | Former Atlanta Mayor | Attended |
| Mike Thurmond | Former DeKalb CEO | Attended |
| Geoff Duncan | Former Lt. Gov. | Attended |
Six Democrats dominated the forum discussion on housing costs and wage stagnation, per FOX 5 coverage. Bottoms stressed infrastructure spending. Thurmond called for targeted business incentives. Duncan's crossover status drew skepticism from purists but praise from moderates.
Congressional Debates Spill Into Governor Talk
Separate forums sharpened the broader midterm picture. The Atlanta Press Club's Louderderm series hosted a candidate forum for the 14th Congressional District's special election on Georgia Public Broadcasting. Contenders like Star Black and Rob Rush Ruskowski debated replacing Marjorie Taylor Greene, who passed on a governor bid.
A GA-14 forum video and runoff debate highlighted rural conservative priorities that echo gubernatorial themes. Greene's exit from the House race underscores GOP focus on the top job.
May 19 Primaries Decide First Round Leaders
Runoffs loom on June 16 if no candidate clears 50 percent. Early polling favors Carr on the GOP side and Bottoms for Democrats, but the forum chatter shows fluid support. Voter turnout in metro Atlanta will tip the scales before summer.
Campaign filings close soon. Expect attack ads to fill airwaves as candidates consolidate.
