Tag: Election 2026

Former DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond wants to chart a middle course in his campaign, emphasizing inclusivity, respect for political differences, and a commitment to coalition building that may be attractive to voters looking for a more moderate, sensible approach to politics. But in these times of divisiveness, it remains to be seen if voters on either side really want to embrace a campaign with a vision of bringing people together.

It was just over 40 years ago, on July 25, 1985, that legendary University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley shut down the rampant speculation that he was going to run for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in the 1986 election. Now, his son Derek is considering running for the GOP nomination for the senate seat currently held by Democrat Jon Ossoff.

If former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond announces in the weeks ahead that he's running for the Democratic nomination for governor, which seems increasingly likely, one of his most important allies on the campaign trail will be a Georgian who died 240 years ago.

With Brian Kemp's announcement that he will not run for U.S. Senate in 2026, his next steps are mere speculation at this point. He's mentioned frequently as a possible candidate for president in 2028. In the meantime, he can play a key role in supporting Republican candidates around the country next year.

Many voters were still exhausted from last November’s presidential election when the state’s political class made a sharp turn and almost immediately began handicapping Georgia’s 2026 statewide races. Here, a look at the Republicans and Democrats who are already setting their sights on the governor's mansion and who else may yet run.