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2026 election issues

2026 Georgia Governor's Race

Governor Brian Kemp is term-limited and cannot seek re-election in 2026, setting up an open-seat gubernatorial race in Georgia. Both parties must nominate new candidates, with Republicans deciding whether to embrace the MAGA brand or chart a more moderate path. The race will define the direction of Georgia's state government and is seen as a key test of the national political environment.

What direction should Georgia Republicans take in choosing their 2026 gubernatorial candidate?

How important is this to you?

Sources

Niles Francis, Georgia Recorder — https://georgiarecorder.com/2025/12/18/five-big-political-questions-for-georgia-going-into-2026
A transition of power is set to unfold at the governor's mansion this time next year, and Republicans must decide who (and what) comes next.
Phil Kent, The Georgia Gang panelist — https://www.gacities.com/articles/policy-politics-and-perspective-a-look-at-georgias-legislative-and-political
Governor Brian Kemp was 'under pressure from national Republicans' to challenge Senator Jon Ossoff... Governor Kemp has since announced that he will not run for the Senate in 2026.
Marie Ladino, For Opportunity — https://foropportunity.org/top-issues-shaping-georgia-future
In 2026, Georgia voters will elect key political leaders who will have the ability to remove barriers and open doors to better futures for the state's residents.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Georgia Democrats should nominate a progressive candidate to capitalize on national political turbulence.
  2. Democrats should run a centrist who appeals to suburban voters and builds on Kemp-era bipartisanship.
  3. Both parties should focus on qualified, experienced candidates over ideological litmus tests.
  4. Republicans should nominate a Kemp-style pragmatic conservative to maintain the party's winning coalition.
  5. Republicans should nominate a fully MAGA-aligned candidate to advance Trump's agenda at the state level.

2026 Georgia U.S. Senate Race

Georgia's 2026 U.S. Senate race is one of the most closely watched contests in the country. Incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff is seeking re-election in a state Donald Trump carried in 2024, making it one of only two Democratic-held Senate seats in a Trump-won state on the 2026 ballot. Ossoff leads potential Republican challengers but remains near or under 50% favorability, making the race competitive. Republicans including Reps. Buddy Carter, Mike Collins, and Derek Dooley are potential challengers.

Who should represent Georgia in the U.S. Senate after the 2026 election?

How important is this to you?

Sources

Emerson College Polling / Nexstar Media — https://emersoncollegepolling.com/georgia-2026-poll-senator-ossoff-starts-re-election-near-50-and-outpaces-gop-field
The first Emerson College Polling/Nexstar Media survey of the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Georgia finds Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff with an edge over potential Republican opponents.
Niles Francis, Georgia Recorder — https://georgiarecorder.com/2025/12/18/five-big-political-questions-for-georgia-going-into-2026
Ossoff will again aim to shatter fundraising records and defy expectations as he fights for a second term. And Democrats are in search of a new leader who can capitalize on a turbulent political climate.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_United_States_Senate_election_in_Georgia
This will be one of two Democratic-held Senate seats up for election in 2026 in a state won by Trump in 2024, along with Michigan.
Positions on this issue  ·  liberal → conservative
  1. Re-elect Sen. Ossoff; his record and bipartisan outreach best serve Georgia's diverse electorate.
  2. Re-elect Sen. Ossoff, but push him to take stronger progressive stances on key issues.
  3. Let voters decide based on each candidate's local record and stances, regardless of party.
  4. Elect a Republican challenger who aligns with Georgia's conservative lean at the federal level.
  5. Elect a strong MAGA-aligned Republican to fully back President Trump's national agenda in the Senate.