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.
A person walks past a voting sign during the first day of early voting for the primary elections at the Dunwoody Library on Monday, April 27, 2026. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

Credit: Miguel Martinez/AJC

A person walks past a voting sign during the first day of early voting for the primary elections at the Dunwoody Library on Monday, April 27, 2026. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)
By
Updated July 7, 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.

Early polls

The first poll since November’s matchup was set shows Bottoms with a small edge.

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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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)

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