Georgia voters return to the polls on June 16, 2026, for Republican primary runoffs in the governor's race and U.S. Senate contest after no candidate won a majority on May 19. The two-candidate matchups will decide the party's nominees for both offices.
Governor Runoff Pits Jones Against Jackson
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones faces billionaire businessman Rick Jackson in the Republican runoff for governor. Jones enters as the sitting lieutenant governor with established party ties, while Jackson brings substantial personal resources to the contest. The race ranks among Georgia's most expensive and contentious, marked by heavy television advertising in the final weeks.
Jackson has chosen to skip an Atlanta Press Club debate scheduled before the runoff, a decision that leaves voters with fewer direct comparisons between the two candidates. The outcome will shape the Republican ticket against Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms in November.
Senate Runoff Features Collins and Dooley
U.S. Rep. Mike Collins squares off against former football coach Derek Dooley for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination. Gov. Brian Kemp has endorsed Dooley in the contest. Collins' campaign recently dismissed a staffer following an offensive social media post, an incident that drew attention to internal operations ahead of the June 16 vote.
The Senate matchup adds another layer to Georgia's Republican primary calendar. Both candidates must consolidate support from voters who backed other contenders in the May 19 primary to secure the nomination.
