Georgia politics is a weird, high-stakes fever dream lately. Honestly, if you’d asked someone four years ago what the 2026 landscape would look like, they probably wouldn't have guessed we’d be talking about a Republican lieutenant governor switching sides or a field where Stacey Abrams isn't the sun everyone else orbits. But here we are. With Governor Brian Kemp term-limited and packing his bags, the seat is wide open, and the scramble for the Gold Dome is officially chaotic.
So, who is running for governor of Georgia in 2026 democrat? The short answer is: a mix of seasoned heavyweights, a former Republican, and some fresh legislative blood trying to prove that the "Blue Georgia" of 2020 wasn't just a fluke.
The Heavyweight: Keisha Lance Bottoms
You’ve probably heard her name a million times. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is, by most metrics, the front-runner right now. She’s got the name ID and the White House ties from her time in the Biden administration. Early polling from late 2025 showed her sitting pretty with about 40% of the Democratic primary vote. That’s a massive lead.
People like her because she feels "governor-ready." She survived the 2020 protests and the pandemic while frequently clashing with Kemp, which earned her a lot of points with the base. Some folks are worried her tenure as mayor was a bit too combative, but for many Georgia Democrats, "combative" is exactly what they want in a state that still leans slightly red.
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The Wildcard: Geoff Duncan
This is the one that makes people do a double-take. Geoff Duncan used to be the Republican Lieutenant Governor. He was a "GOP 2.0" guy who refused to go along with the 2020 election challenges. Now? He’s running as a Democrat.
It’s a bold move. Duncan is basically betting that there’s a massive group of "exhausted" voters—people who don't like the MAGA direction of the current GOP but aren't necessarily progressive activists. He was recently spotted at Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ victory party, making the case that he’s the one who can actually win a general election in a purple state. Whether the Democratic base will actually trust a guy who spent years in the other party is the million-dollar question.
The Legislative Rising Stars
If you're looking for the "next generation," two names keep popping up in every conversation:
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- Jason Esteves: A State Senator and former Atlanta school board chair. He was actually one of the first to jump into the race officially. He’s got some serious backing from heavy hitters like Sally Yates and Jason Carter. He’s young, he’s Latino, and he represents the shifting demographics that Democrats are banking on.
- Ruwa Romman: She’s a State Representative who has been making a lot of noise. She represents the more progressive, grassroots wing of the party. If the primary becomes a battle over the "soul" of the Georgia Democratic Party, she’s likely to be the one pushing from the left.
The "Steady Hand" Options
Then there’s Michael Thurmond. He’s the former DeKalb County CEO and has been a fixture in Georgia politics since the 80s. He’s the moderate’s moderate. He’s been around the block, he knows how to run a massive county government, and he doesn't bring the same kind of "culture war" baggage that some of the other candidates do. He’s currently trailing Bottoms in the polls, but in a crowded field, a "steady hand" can sometimes sneak through if the front-runners beat each other up.
State Representative Derrick Jackson is also in the mix. He’s a Navy vet who’s been very vocal about how the state treats its servicemen and women. He hasn't raised as much cash as Bottoms or Esteves, but he’s got a loyal following.
What Happened to Stacey Abrams and Lucy McBath?
This is the part that surprises people. For a long time, the question of who is running for governor of Georgia in 2026 democrat started and ended with Stacey Abrams. But in early January 2026, she finally said "no." She’s focusing on national advocacy work instead. It feels like the end of an era, but it also cleared a massive logjam for everyone else.
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Lucy McBath also took a step back. She was exploring a run—and even filed the paperwork—but she suspended her bid due to her husband’s health. It’s a huge "what if" because she had the suburban appeal that usually wins statewide in Georgia.
What to Watch Next
The primary is coming up fast. If you’re trying to keep track of this, here’s what actually matters:
- Fundraising Reports: Look at the mid-year 2026 filings. Right now, Bottoms and Esteves are leading the pack in cash, but keep an eye on Duncan to see if he can pull Republican donors over to his side.
- The "MAGA" Factor: The Republican primary is a bloodbath between Burt Jones (who has the Trump endorsement) and Brad Raffensperger. Whoever wins that will dictate how the Democrat needs to campaign. If Jones is the nominee, Democrats will lean hard into "saving democracy."
- Voter Turnout: Georgia is a state of 7 million active voters. It’s split almost exactly 50/50. The Democrat who wins the primary needs to be someone who can get the Atlanta suburbs to show up in record numbers while also not scaring off the rural moderates.
Actionable Insight: If you're a voter or just an observer, the best thing you can do right now is check the Georgia Secretary of State's website for the final candidate qualifying list in March. That's when the "maybe" candidates have to put up or shut up. Also, keep a close eye on the Public Service Commission results from 2025; Democrats flipped two seats there, which is a huge signal that statewide wins are possible for them again.