2026 Georgia Races: Are THESE Shocking Candidates Poised to Change Everything? Find Out Now!

Macon, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)—As Georgia gears up for its May 19 primary election, a diverse group of candidates has qualified for several statewide offices, including races for governor, lieutenant governor, and various executive branch positions. Voters will play a crucial role in selecting party nominees, with the winners advancing to the general election on November 3.

Key Candidate Lineup for Governor

The race for governor is heating up, with significant participation from both major parties. Seven Democrats have officially qualified for the primary:

• Amanda Duffy
• Derrick Jackson
• Geoff Duncan
• Jason Esteves
• Keisha Lance Bottoms
• Mike Thurmond
• Olu Brown

On the Republican side, there are eight candidates vying for the nomination:

• Brad Raffensperger
• Burt Jones
• Chris Carr
• Clark Dean
• Gregg Kirkpatrick
• Ken Yasger
• Rick Jackson
• Thomas E. Williams

Races for Lieutenant Governor and Other Offices

The lieutenant governor position is currently open, as incumbent Burt Jones is also running for governor. Three Democrats have qualified:

• Josh McLaurin
• Nabilah Parkes
• Richard N. Wright

Meanwhile, the Republican candidates for lieutenant governor include:

• Brenda Lynn Nelson-Porter
• David Clark
• Greg Dolezal
• John F. Kennedy
• Michael Tillery
• Steve Gooch
• Takosha Swan

In other important statewide races, Tyler Harper, the incumbent Republican, has qualified to run for reelection as Georgia's agriculture commissioner. Two Democrats, Katherine E. Juhan-Arnold and Sedrick Kent Rowe Jr., will compete in the primary, with the winner facing Harper in the general election.

The attorney general's race is also open, as current Attorney General Chris Carr is running for governor. The Democratic candidates include:

• Bob Trammell
• Herbert Adams Jr.
• Tanya Miller

Republican contenders are:

• Brian Strickland
• Bill Cowsert

For the position of Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner, incumbent Republican John King has qualified for reelection. Five Democrats will compete in the primary:

• Ambuj “AJ” Jain
• Clarence Blalock
• DeAndre Mathis
• Keisha Sean Waites
• Thomas Gabriel Dean

Incumbent Republican Bárbara Rivera Holmes is also running for reelection as Georgia's labor commissioner. She will face five Democratic contenders:

• Brett A. Hulme
• Christian D. Smith
• Jason Matthew Moon
• Michelle Michi Sanchez
• Nikki Porcher

It's worth noting that candidate Clarence Blalock initially qualified but later withdrew from the race.

The race for Secretary of State is open, with incumbent Brad Raffensperger running for governor. Republican candidates include:

• Ted Metz
• Kelvin King
• Gabriel Sterling
• Tim Fleming
• Vernon Jones

Democratic candidates are:

• Adrian Consonery Jr.
• Cam Thi Ashling
• Dana Barrett
• Penny Brown Reynolds

Finally, the race for state school superintendent features several candidates from both parties. The Democratic candidates include:

• Anton Anthony
• Lydia Catalina Powell
• Otha Thornton

Republicans in the race comprise:

• Fred Jackson Longgrear
• Mesha Mainor
• Nelva Melissa Lee
• Randell Eugene Trammell
• Richard Woods

As the May 19 primary approaches, Georgia voters will have the opportunity to decide on party nominees across these pivotal races. With a rich field of candidates, this election cycle is poised to shape the political landscape of Georgia heading into the general election on November 3.