Georgia Governor Primary Heads to Runoff as No Republican Candidate Secures Majority; Keisha Lance Bottoms Leads Democratic Race

May 19, 2026

The Georgia Republican primary for governor is heading to a runoff on June 16, as no candidate secured a majority. The race will be between Burt Jones, who received 38.35% of the vote, and Rick Jackson, who received 32.52%. Meanwhile, Keisha Lance Bottoms decisively won the Democratic nomination with 56.22% of the vote, avoiding a runoff. A recent poll shows a tight Republican runoff race is expected.

Georgia state legislative primaries

▪In the Georgia 20th district Democratic primary, Jason D. Tanner won with 70% of the vote against Erik Zeil's 30%.
▪In the Georgia 20th district Republican primary, incumbent Charlice Byrd won with 52% of the vote against Mark Angel Fernandez's 48%.

Incumbent victories across districts

▪Incumbent Republican Mike Cameron won the primary for Georgia's 1st district with 84% of the vote.

Uncontested Democratic races

▪Whitney Echenique won the Democratic primary for Georgia's 2nd district uncontested.
▪Steven Willard Disbrow won the Democratic primary for Georgia's 1st district uncontested.

Gubernatorial primary results

▪Other Republican gubernatorial candidates included Brad Raffensperger, who received 15% of the vote, and Chris Carr, who received 11.86%.
▪In the Republican gubernatorial primary, Burt Jones received 38.35% of the vote and Rick Jackson received 32.52%, advancing them to the runoff.
▪The runoff election for the Republican gubernatorial nomination is scheduled for June 16, with early voting offered no later than June 8-12.
▪A Quantus Insights poll of over 700 Republican voters showed Burt Jones leading the runoff with 46.4% support to Rick Jackson's 44.1%, with 9.5% undecided.
▪The Georgia Republican primary for governor is heading to a runoff because no candidate secured over 50% of the vote.
▪Keisha Lance Bottoms won the Democratic nomination for governor with 56.22% of the vote.
▪In the Democratic gubernatorial primary, Jason Esteves finished second with 18.67% and "Mike" Thurmond was third with 12.92%.

Democratic runoff elections required

▪In Georgia's 58th district Democratic primary, Demetria Henderson (39%) and Mathewos Samson (29%) advanced to a runoff.
▪In the 62nd district Democratic primary, Kenn Collier (38%) and Kavon Arnold (32%) advanced to a runoff.