Politics
Politics

Georgia 2026: What the polls and experts say about the race for governor

Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican Rick Jackson will face off for the state’s top job in November.
Democratic nominee for governor Keisha Lance Bottoms, left, and Republican nominee for governor Rick Jackson. (Arvin Temkar and Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: (Arvin Temkar and Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: (Arvin Temkar and Jason Getz/AJC)

Democratic nominee for governor Keisha Lance Bottoms, left, and Republican nominee for governor Rick Jackson. (Arvin Temkar and Jason Getz/AJC)
By
Updated Aug 26, 2026

The November matchup for Georgia governor is set.

Republican billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson defeated Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in a June runoff for the Republican nomination. Keisha Lance Bottoms stunned the Democratic field by winning 56% of the May primary vote, enough to win her party’s nomination outright.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has collected the top polls and predictions for the general election. Here’s what they show.

Polls

Recent polls show the race is close, with a sizable number of voters undecided.

Election predictions

Political experts see a close race with all calling it a toss up. Inside Elections had recently labeled the race tilt Republican before shifting it in late June.

About the Author

Isaac Sabetai is an audience specialist with the state and federal politics team. He builds data visualizations and other projects that help explain what Georgia lawmakers are doing and how the state is or isn't changing.

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