Minnesota GOP candidate Chris Madel ends governor campaign
Minnesota GOP candidate Chris Madel ended his gubernatorial bid citing concerns over ICE operations and the national party’s direction.
This year is Brian Kemp’s last as governor of Georgia. Who will succeed him could be anyone from a healthcare billionaire to our current secretary of state.
Whoever is interested will have to file between March 2 and 6 in order to get on the primary ballot. Here’s what we know:
Democratic candidates for Georgia governor 2026
- Keisha Bottoms
- Olu Brown
- Geoff Duncan
- Jason Esteves
- Derrick Jackson
- Ruwa Romman
- Mike Thurmond
Republican candidates for Georgia governor 2026
- Chris Carr
- Clark Dean
- Rick Jackson
- Burt Jones
- Gregg Kirkpatrick
- Leland Olinger II
- Brad Raffensperger
- Ken Yasger
When is the Georgia governor election
The primaries to decide the Republican and Democrat nominees are on May 19, 2026 with a runoff (if needed) on June 16. Election Day is Nov. 3.
How to qualify for Georgia governor election
According to Georgia’s candidate qualifying handbook, those interested in running for governor must have been a U.S. citizen for at least 15 years, at least 30 years old by the time they take office, and must have been a legal Georgia resident for at least six years before the election.
Candidates should bring a valid photo ID, a completed notice of candidacy and affidavit, and a qualifying fee of $5,549.78 to the State Capitol; room 230 for Democrats and room 216 for Republicans. For more info, go to georgia.gov/run-public-office.
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at [email protected].
