2026 United States Senate election in Georgia
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| Elections in Georgia |
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The 2026 United States Senate election in Georgia will be held on November 3, 2026, to elect a member of the United States Senate to represent the state of Georgia. Incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, first elected in 2021, is running for election to a second term in office. Several Republicans have indicated interest in running, including U.S. Representatives Buddy Carter, Rich McCormick, and Mike Collins; state agriculture commissioner Tyler Harper; and state insurance commissioner John F. King. Republican Governor Brian Kemp was seen as a major contender, but announced in May 2025 that he would not run.
Along with Michigan, this will be one of two Democratic-held Senate seats up for election in 2026 in a state that Donald Trump won in the 2024 presidential election, winning 51% of the vote against Kamala Harris's 49%.
Background
Georgia is considered to be a purple or swing state at the federal level. It was a top battleground state in the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections.
Both parties have seen success in the state in recent years. The state backed Joe Biden by 0.24% and Donald Trump by 2.2%, respectively in 2020 and 2024. Democrats hold both of Georgia's U.S. Senate seats. Republicans hold all statewide executive offices, control both chambers of the legislature, and hold a majority in Georgia's U.S. House delegation.[1]
As one of only two seats up held by a Democrat in a state that voted for Trump in 2024, the race is expected to be competitive.[2]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Jon Ossoff, incumbent U.S. Senator (2021–present)[3]
Endorsements
Jon Ossoff
- U.S. senators
- Raphael Warnock, U.S. Senator from Georgia (2021–present)[4]
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of March 31, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Jon Ossoff (D) | $31,885,766 | $25,135,291 | $11,082,209 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[5] | |||
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Reagan Box, horse trainer[6]
- Buddy Carter, U.S. Representative from Georgia's 1st congressional district (2015–present)[7]
- John King, Georgia Insurance Commissioner (2019–present)[8]
Filed paperwork
Formed exploratory committee
- Colton Moore, state senator from the 53rd district (2023–present)[13]
Publicly expressed interest
- Rick Allen, U.S. Representative from Georgia's 12th congressional district (2015–present)[14]
- Mike Collins, U.S. representative from Georgia's 10th congressional district (2023–present)[15][16]
- Derek Dooley, former head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers football team[17]
- Tyler Harper, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner (2023–present)[18]
- Rich McCormick, U.S. representative from Georgia's 7th congressional district (2023–present)[19][15]
Potential
- Doug Collins, U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (2025–present), former U.S. representative from Georgia’s 9th congressional district (2013–2021), and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2020[20]
- Greg Dolezal, state senator (2019–present)[21]
- Brian Jack, U.S. representative from Georgia's 3rd congressional district (2025–present)[15]
- Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the Small Business Administration (2025–present) and former U.S. senator (2020–2021)[22]
- Brad Raffensperger, Georgia Secretary of State (2019–present)[23][24]
Declined
- Andrew Clyde, U.S. representative from Georgia's 9th congressional district (2021–present)[25] (running for re-election)[26]
- Marjorie Taylor Greene, U.S. representative from Georgia's 14th congressional district (2021–present)[27]
- Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia (2019–present)[28]
Endorsements
Buddy Carter
- State legislators
- Eric Johnson, state senator from the 1st district (1995–2009)[29]
Brian Kemp (declined)
- U.S. senators
- Tim Scott, U.S. Senator from South Carolina (2013–present)[30]
- U.S. representatives
- Mike Collins, U.S. representative from Georgia's 10th congressional district (2023–present)[30]
- Local officials
- Erick Erickson, former Macon city councilor (2007–2011)[30]
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of March 31, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Buddy Carter (R) | $536,709 | $92,293 | $3,463,345 |
| Reagan Box (R) | $44,150 | $38,042 | $6,675 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[5] | |||
Polling
Hypothetical polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Buddy Carter |
Mike Collins |
Marjorie Taylor Greene |
John King |
Rich McCormick |
Brad Raffensberger |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trafalgar Group (R)[31] | April 24–27, 2025 | – (LV) | – | 13% | 15% | 43% | 2% | 5% | 22% | – |
| 23% | 46% | — | 11% | 21% | – | – |
Independents
Declared
- Elbert "Al" Bartell, businessman, Air Force veteran, No Labels national delegate, and Indpendent candidate for U.S. Senate in 2020 [32][33]
Filed paperwork
- Develle Jackson[34]
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Elections[35] | Battleground | February 20, 2025 |
| The Cook Political Report[36] | Tossup | February 13, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[37] | Tossup | March 12, 2025 |
| Race To The WH[38] | Lean D | May 5, 2025 |
Polling
Jon Ossoff vs. Buddy Carter
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
Buddy Carter (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cygnal (R)[39] | June 16–18, 2025 | 610 (LV) | ± 3.9% | 49% | 42% | 9% |
| Cygnal (R)[40] | May 15–17, 2025 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.4% | 46% | 42% | 12% |
| Tyson Group (R)[41] | January 30–31, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 47% | 39% | 13% |
| WPA Intelligence (R)[42][A] | January 14–15, 2025 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 45% | 32% | 23% |
Jon Ossoff vs. John King
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
John King (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cygnal (R)[39] | June 16–18, 2025 | 610 (LV) | ± 3.9% | 50% | 40% | 10% |
| Cygnal (R)[40] | May 15–17, 2025 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.4% | 45% | 42% | 13% |
| Atlanta Journal-Constitution[43][44] | April 15–24, 2025 | 1,000 (RV) | ± 3.1% | 51% | 38% | 11% |
| WPA Intelligence (R)[42][A] | January 14–15, 2025 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 47% | 31% | 22% |
Hypothetical polling
Jon Ossoff vs. Brad Raffensperger
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
Brad Raffensperger (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cygnal (R)[40] | May 15–17, 2025 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.4% | 44% | 44% | – | 12% |
| Trafalgar Group (R)[31] | April 24–27, 2025 | 1,426 (LV) | ± 2.9% | 46% | 38% | 10% | 6% |
| Atlanta Journal-Constitution[43][44] | April 15–24, 2025 | 1,000 (RV) | ± 3.1% | 48% | 39% | – | 3% |
| WPA Intelligence (R)[42][A] | January 14–15, 2025 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 46% | 32% | – | 22% |
Jon Ossoff vs. Brian Kemp
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
Brian Kemp (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Journal-Constitution[43][44] | April 15–24, 2025 | 1,000 (RV) | ± 3.1% | 46% | 49% | 5% |
| Quantus Insights (R)[45] | February 11–13, 2025 | 800 (RV) | ± 3.5% | 45% | 48% | 7% |
| Tyson Group (R)[41] | January 30–31, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 42% | 49% | 8% |
| WPA Intelligence (R)[42][A] | January 14–15, 2025 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 40% | 46% | 14% |
Jon Ossoff vs. Marjorie Taylor Greene
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
Marjorie Taylor Greene (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trafalgar Group (R)[31] | April 24–27, 2025 | 1,426 (LV) | ± 2.9% | 48% | 37% | 8% | 7% |
| Atlanta Journal-Constitution[43][44] | April 15–24, 2025 | 1,000 (RV) | ± 3.1% | 54% | 37% | – | 9% |
| Tyson Group (R)[41] | January 30–31, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 51% | 39% | – | 9% |
Jon Ossoff vs. Mike Collins
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
Mike Collins (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cygnal (R)[40] | May 15–17, 2025 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.4% | 46% | 43% | – | 11% |
| Trafalgar Group (R)[31] | April 24–27, 2025 | 1,426 (LV) | ± 2.9% | 48% | 43% | 3% | 6% |
| WPA Intelligence (R)[42][A] | January 14–15, 2025 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 44% | 34% | – | 22% |
Jon Ossoff vs. Derek Dooley
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
Derek Dooley (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cygnal (R)[39] | June 16–18, 2025 | 610 (LV) | ± 3.9% | 50% | 41% | 9% |
Jon Ossoff vs. Rich McCormick
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
Rich McCormick (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WPA Intelligence (R)[42][A] | January 14–15, 2025 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 44% | 33% | 23% |
Jon Ossoff vs. Kelly Loeffler
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
Kelly Loeffler |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cygnal (R)[40] | May 15–17, 2025 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.4% | 46% | 43% | 11% |
Jon Ossoff vs. Generic Republican
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
Generic Republican |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cygnal (R)[46][44] | March 9–10, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 44% | 44% | 16% |
Notes
Partisan clients
References
- ^ "2 Republican incumbents lose in Georgia House, but overall Democratic gains are limited". AP News. November 6, 2024. Retrieved December 7, 2024.
- ^ "Democrats Rush to Regroup in the Southern Battlegrounds". The New York Times.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg (December 4, 2024). "Jon Ossoff lays the groundwork for 2026 reelection campaign". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
- ^ Amy, Jeff (March 22, 2025). "Georgia Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff vows defiance to Trump ahead of 2026 election". Associated Press. Archived from the original on April 2, 2025. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
- ^ a b "2026 Election United States Senate - Georgia". fec.gov. Federal Election Commission. Retrieved April 23, 2025.
- ^ "Reagan Box". Our America. December 30, 2024. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
Reagan Box of Georgia is a nationally recognized horse trainer and a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2026.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg (May 8, 2025). "'MAGA warrior' Buddy Carter jumps into Georgia Senate race against Ossoff". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
- ^ Darnell, Tim (May 12, 2025). "Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King launches U.S. Senate campaign". WANF. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
- ^ "CHAPMAN, CHRISTOPH LA'FLARE - Candidate overview". FEC.gov. January 1, 2019. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
- ^ "CLEMENT, CHRISTINA LOREN REV DR TRUSTEE - Candidate overview". FEC.gov. January 1, 2019. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
- ^ "TEMPLE, RICK - Candidate overview". FEC.gov. January 1, 2019. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
- ^ "WATKINS, VINSON L - Candidate overview". FEC.gov. January 1, 2019. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
- ^ "Moore Mulls Senate Run, Would Bolster Georgia's Conservative Firepower". Discover Walker. May 30, 2025. Retrieved May 30, 2025.
- ^ Nir, David; Singer, Jeff (May 7, 2025). "Morning Digest: With their top Georgia recruit out, the GOP's afraid MTG will run for Senate". The Downballot. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
- ^ a b c McCarthy, Mia; Kashinsky, Lisa; Leonard, Ben (May 6, 2025). "Trump secretaries start hitting the Hill". Politico. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
- ^ Soellner, Mica; Cohen, Max (June 30, 2025). "Collins inches toward Georgia Senate bid". Punchbowl News. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg (June 6, 2025). "Football coach Derek Dooley weighs Senate run in Georgia against Ossoff". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ISSN 1539-7459. Retrieved June 6, 2025.
- ^ Nir, David; Singer, Jeff (February 27, 2025). "Morning Digest: Like snowbirds, pols from across the country are eyeing this Florida district". The Downballot. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper revealed his interest in running for the Senate on Wednesday by posting a picture of himself visiting the offices of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg (February 14, 2025). "The Kemp Factor: How one decision will shape Georgia's 2026 Senate race". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. ISSN 1539-7459. Retrieved February 18, 2025.
- ^ Bowman, Bridget; Zanona, Melanie; Nobles, Ryan (May 7, 2025). "Republicans search for a backup plan in crucial Georgia Senate race". NBC News. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
- ^ Amy, Jeff; Barrow, Bill (May 13, 2025). "Georgia Republicans look to rally behind a challenger to Sen. Jon Ossoff". AP News. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ Isenstadt, Alex (May 9, 2025). "Scoop: Kemp plans secret White House sortie for Georgia Senate pick". Axios. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
- ^ Allison, Natalie (January 16, 2025). "GOP poll shows Kemp beating Ossoff in hypothetical Georgia Senate matchup". Politico. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
- ^ Merchant, Zach (May 4, 2025). "Brad Raffensperger considers 2026 campaign for higher office | Full interview". WXIA-TV. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
- ^ Solender, Andrew (December 12, 2024). "GOP Rep. Ciscomani passes on run for Arizona governor". Axios. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) is not considering a run for Senate or governor and his [sic] 'focused on and happy serving [Northeast] GA in the House,' a spokesperson said.
- ^ Daughtry, Will (February 6, 2025). "Amid primary challenge, Rep. Andrew Clyde talks 2026 reelection bid". WDUN-FM. Retrieved February 17, 2025.
- ^ Amy, Jeff; Cooper, Jonathon (May 9, 2025). "Marjorie Taylor Greene declines to challenge Jon Ossoff in Georgia Senate race". Associated Press. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
- ^ Wren, Adam (May 5, 2025). "Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp passes on running for Senate". Politico. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
- ^ Bynum, Russ; Amy, Jeff (May 8, 2025). "Republican race for Georgia Senate seat begins as US Rep. Buddy Carter becomes first GOP candidate". Associated Press. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
- ^ a b c Vakil, Caroline (January 16, 2025). "Kemp keeps Republicans on edge as he mulls Georgia Senate bid". The Hill. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Georgia US Senate Statewide Survey - April 2025" (PDF). The Trafalgar Group. April 29, 2025. Retrieved April 29, 2025.
- ^ "BARTELL, ELBERT - Candidate overview". FEC.gov. November 20, 2024. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
- ^ Legoas, Miguel (May 14, 2025). "Who has entered Georgia senate race? These Republicans seek chance to face D-Jon Ossoff". Savannah Morning News. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
Al Bartell is a policy analyst, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and chairman of the World Human Rights Network. He previously ran for U.S. Senate in 2020 and Georgia governor in 2022. "With over thirty years as a public policy leader, I work across party lines with a balanced approach to events, situations, and issues," Bartell said on his LinkedIn.
- ^ "JACKSON, DEVELLE LAVAUGHN - Candidate overview". FEC.gov. July 28, 2023.
- ^ "Senate Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
- ^ "2026 CPR Senate Race Ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Senate ratings". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved February 13, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Senate Forecast". Race to the WH. Retrieved March 19, 2025.
- ^ a b c Bluestein, Greg [@bluestein] (June 30, 2025). "A new survey by Cygnal — the go-to polling firm of Gov. Brian Kemp and other key Republicans — explains why Insurance Commissioner John King is likely to flood the airwaves with his backstory as his Senate campaign against Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff heats up. #gapol" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ a b c d e "Cygnal – Survey of 2024 General Election Voters – Georgia Statewide". Adobe Acrobat. May 22, 2025. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
- ^ a b c Sforza, Lauren (February 13, 2025). "Trump-loving Marjorie Taylor Greene gets some bad polling news". NJ.com. Retrieved March 3, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f Allison, Natalie (January 16, 2025). "GOP poll shows Kemp beating Ossoff in hypothetical Georgia Senate matchup". Politico.
- ^ a b c d Bluestein, Greg (May 1, 2025). "AJC poll: Kemp neck and neck with Ossoff in possible Georgia Senate matchup". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e M.V. Hood III (April 28, 2025). "AJC 2025 SPRING SURVEY" (PDF). University of Georgia School of Public & International Affairs. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
- ^ "February 2025 – Georgia 2026 Senate race". Quantus Insights. February 14, 2025. Retrieved February 14, 2025.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg; Mitchell, Tia; Murphy, Patricia; Beam, Adam (March 12, 2025). "Vote to block transgender bill could hurt Jon Ossoff, new poll finds". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on March 12, 2025. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
External links
- Official campaign websites