Georgia Governor Race Heats Up: Rick Jackson and Keisha Lance Bottoms Square Off
The 2026 Georgia Governor race pits Republican healthcare executive Rick Jackson against former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
In the upcoming 2026 Georgia Governor race, voters will decide between Republican candidate Rick Jackson and Democratic contender Keisha Lance Bottoms, marking a significant contest in the state’s political landscape. This election, which is part of the broader midterm cycle, promises to be closely watched as both candidates bring distinct backgrounds and experiences to the table.
Rick Jackson, a Republican healthcare executive, has positioned himself as a strong advocate for improving the state’s healthcare system. His background in the industry could make him a compelling choice for voters who prioritize health policy and economic stability. On the other side, Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former mayor of Atlanta, brings extensive experience in local governance and urban development, potentially appealing to those seeking continuity in leadership and progress in Georgia’s largest city.
The race is expected to be competitive, with results being closely monitored through an interactive, county-by-county map that provides real-time updates on the vote count. This tool allows citizens and media alike to track the progress of the election as it unfolds, adding an element of immediacy and engagement to the democratic process.
Currently, the incumbent governor of Georgia is Brian Kemp, who has held office since 2019. As the election approaches, attention will focus on whether either Jackson or Bottoms can unseat the sitting governor and claim the top spot in Georgia’s executive branch.
What we know
- - The 2026 Georgia Governor race is between Republican Rick Jackson and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms. 12345
- - Rick Jackson is a Republican healthcare executive. 1
- - Keisha Lance Bottoms is the former mayor of Atlanta. 1
- - Results of the election can be tracked in real-time through an interactive, county-by-county map. 2345
- - The current governor of Georgia is Brian Kemp. 1
Trust Score report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 71%, weighted across 6 claims from 5 independent outlets.
- likely The Georgia governor midterm election is between Republican Rick Jackson and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms. (72%)
- likely The 2026 Georgia Governor race is between Rick Jackson and Keisha Lance Bottoms. (71%)
- likely Rick Jackson is a Republican healthcare executive. (72%)
- likely Keisha Lance Bottoms is the former mayor of Atlanta. (72%)
- likely Results of the election can be tracked in real-time through an interactive, county-by-county map. (71%)
- likely The current governor of Georgia is Brian Kemp. (72%)
Sources
- PBS NewsHour — Live Results: Georgia governor midterm election
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/live-results-georgia-governor-midterm-election - WFAA (Texas) — 2026 Georgia Governor race election results: Rick Jackson vs. Keisha Lance Bottoms
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/politics/elections/georgia-governor-election-results/507-844ca658-e5b9-474e-bbfe-d0995b9a8252 - WKYC (Ohio) — 2026 Georgia Governor race election results: Rick Jackson vs. Keisha Lance Bottoms
https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/politics/elections/georgia-governor-election-results/507-844ca658-e5b9-474e-bbfe-d0995b9a8252 - 10TV (Columbus) — 2026 Georgia Governor race election results: Rick Jackson vs. Keisha Lance Bottoms
https://www.10tv.com/article/news/politics/elections/georgia-governor-election-results/507-844ca658-e5b9-474e-bbfe-d0995b9a8252 - KVUE (Austin) — 2026 Georgia Governor race election results: Rick Jackson vs. Keisha Lance Bottoms
https://www.kvue.com/article/news/politics/elections/georgia-governor-election-results/507-844ca658-e5b9-474e-bbfe-d0995b9a8252