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Gear up for the 2026 elections with ''Politically Georgia''

Gearing Up for the 2026 Elections: Georgia's Political Landscape Takes Shape

As the dust settles from the 2024 presidential cycle, Georgia's political operatives, candidates, and voters are already turning their eyes toward 2026. This midterm election year promises to be a pivotal one for the Peach State, with high-stakes races for governor, U.S. Senate, and a slew of down-ballot contests that could reshape the balance of power in Atlanta and Washington. From fundraising blitzes to early endorsements, the groundwork is being laid in what experts predict will be one of the most competitive election seasons in recent memory. With Georgia's status as a battleground state firmly established after flipping blue in 2020 and swinging back in parts since, both Democrats and Republicans are mobilizing resources like never before.

At the top of the ticket, the gubernatorial race is poised to be a blockbuster. Incumbent Republican Governor Brian Kemp, who secured a decisive victory over Democrat Stacey Abrams in 2022, is term-limited and cannot run again. This opens the door for a wide-open field on both sides. On the Republican side, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones has emerged as an early frontrunner. Jones, a staunch conservative who gained notoriety for his role in challenging the 2020 election results, has been quietly building a war chest and courting key endorsements from the state's GOP establishment. Sources close to Jones indicate he's already amassed over $5 million in campaign funds, drawing from a network of donors who supported former President Donald Trump. "Burt is positioning himself as the heir apparent to Kemp's legacy of economic growth and tough-on-crime policies," said one Republican strategist, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Challenging Jones from within the party could be Attorney General Chris Carr, another rising star in Georgia GOP circles. Carr has made headlines for his legal battles against federal overreach, particularly on issues like immigration and voting rights. His moderate appeal might attract suburban voters who have grown wary of the party's more extreme elements. Meanwhile, whispers of a potential bid from former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler persist, though her 2021 runoff loss to Raphael Warnock has left some Republicans hesitant. The primary could turn into a proxy war between the Trump-aligned faction and more traditional conservatives, mirroring national divides.

Democrats, buoyed by recent gains in urban and suburban areas, see the governor's mansion as within reach. Stacey Abrams, despite her 2022 defeat, remains a powerhouse fundraiser and organizer. However, she's signaled a shift toward national advocacy, leaving room for fresh faces. State Senator Elena Parent from DeKalb County is generating buzz with her focus on education and healthcare reform. Another potential contender is former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, whose ties to the Biden administration could bring in out-of-state dollars. "Democrats need a candidate who can unify the base and appeal to independents," noted political analyst Andra Gillespie of Emory University. "The key will be mobilizing Black voters and young people, who turned out in record numbers in 2020."

The U.S. Senate race adds another layer of intrigue, with Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff facing reelection. Ossoff, who won a stunning upset in the 2021 runoff, has spent his first term championing infrastructure investments and voting rights legislation. His approval ratings hover around 50%, bolstered by Georgia's share of federal funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Yet, Republicans smell blood, viewing Ossoff as vulnerable in a midterm environment where the party in power often loses ground. Leading the GOP charge is Herschel Walker, the former football star who narrowly lost to Warnock in 2022. Walker has been teasing a comeback, emphasizing his outsider status and conservative values. "I'm ready to fight for Georgia families," Walker said in a recent interview, though his campaign would need to address past controversies over personal scandals.

Other Republicans eyeing the seat include Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, who ran a respectable but unsuccessful primary bid in 2022, and perhaps even Congressman Buddy Carter from the coastal district. Democrats are preparing to defend Ossoff vigorously, with national groups like the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee already pledging millions. The race could hinge on suburban turnout in metro Atlanta, where issues like abortion rights and economic inequality resonate strongly.

Down-ballot races are equally compelling. The state legislature, currently controlled by Republicans, faces potential shifts. Democrats aim to flip the House, where the GOP holds a slim 99-81 majority. Key battlegrounds include districts in Gwinnett and Cobb counties, which have trended blue. Republicans, meanwhile, are targeting vulnerable Democratic seats in rural areas. The secretary of state's office, held by Republican Brad Raffensperger since his defiance of Trump in 2020, is up for grabs. Raffensperger's primary win in 2022 solidified his position, but Democrats like state Rep. Bee Nguyen, who lost the 2022 runoff, might mount another challenge or inspire a new candidate.

Fundraising is already in overdrive. According to recent filings, combined campaign committees have raised over $50 million statewide, with super PACs adding tens of millions more. National organizations are pouring in: the Republican Governors Association has earmarked $10 million for Georgia, while Emily's List is boosting Democratic women candidates. "Money talks in these races," said Kyle Kondik of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. "But it's not just about cash; it's about message discipline in a state where every vote counts."

Voter engagement efforts are ramping up too. Organizations like Fair Fight Action, founded by Abrams, are registering thousands of new voters, focusing on communities of color and college campuses. On the right, groups affiliated with the Heritage Foundation are pushing for election integrity measures, including stricter ID requirements. The 2021 voting law, SB 202, continues to spark debate, with critics arguing it suppresses turnout and proponents claiming it enhances security.

Policy issues are taking center stage. Economic development, particularly around the booming film industry and electric vehicle plants like Rivian and Hyundai, will be key talking points. Republicans tout Kemp's tax cuts and job creation, while Democrats highlight income inequality and the need for Medicaid expansion. Education remains hot-button, with debates over school vouchers, teacher pay, and curriculum standards. Crime, especially in Atlanta, where homicides have fluctuated, will feature prominently, as will reproductive rights post-Dobbs decision. Georgia's six-week abortion ban is under legal challenge, and candidates are positioning themselves accordingly—Democrats as defenders of choice, Republicans as protectors of life.

The influence of national figures looms large. Trump, who has endorsed several Georgia Republicans in the past, could play kingmaker again, though his legal troubles might complicate matters. On the Democratic side, Vice President Kamala Harris, who campaigned heavily in Georgia in 2024, is expected to return. "Georgia is ground zero for 2026," said one DNC official. "What happens here could determine Senate control and set the tone for 2028."

Challenges abound, from redistricting battles—Georgia's maps were redrawn in 2023 amid lawsuits—to the potential for misinformation in an AI-driven media landscape. Pollsters predict tight races, with margins under 2% in top contests. Early polling shows a divided electorate: 45% approve of Kemp's handling of the state, while Biden's numbers lag at 38%.

As campaigns heat up, community leaders are urging civility. "Elections are about ideas, not division," said Rev. Gerald Durley, a civil rights veteran. Yet, with so much at stake, the 2026 cycle is shaping up to be a fierce battle for Georgia's soul. Candidates are hitting the trail, from barbecue joints in Macon to tech hubs in Alpharetta, all vying to define the state's future.

In the coming months, expect announcements, debates, and perhaps a few surprises. One thing is certain: Georgia's 2026 elections will be watched nationwide, a microcosm of America's polarized politics. Whether it's a blue wave, red resurgence, or something in between, the gears are turning, and the race is on. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full Atlanta Journal-Constitution Article at:
[ https://www.ajc.com/politics/2025/07/gearing-up-for-the-2026-elections/ ]