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]
- U.S representatives
- Gabby Giffords, U.S. representative from Arizona's 8th congressional district (2007–2012)[5]
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of June 30, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Jon Ossoff (D) | $41,974,109 | $30,813,353 | $15,492,489 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[6] | |||
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Reagan Box, horse trainer[7]
- Buddy Carter, U.S. representative from Georgia's 1st congressional district (2015–present)[8]
- Mike Collins, U.S. representative from Georgia's 10th congressional district (2023–present)[9]
- Derek Dooley, former Tennessee Volunteers football head coach[10]
Filed paperwork
- Christoph Chapman[11]
- Christina Clement[12]
- Rick Temple[13]
- Vinson "Vince" Watkins (also filed to run for Georgia's 8th congressional district)[14]
Formed exploratory committee
- Colton Moore, state senator from the 53rd district (2023–present)[15]
Publicly expressed interest
- Rick Allen, U.S. Representative from Georgia's 12th congressional district (2015–present)[16]
- Tyler Harper, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner (2023–present)[17]
- Brad Raffensperger, Georgia Secretary of State (2019–present)[18]
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[19]
- Greg Dolezal, state senator (2019–present)[20]
- Brian Jack, U.S. representative from Georgia's 3rd congressional district (2025–present)[21]
- Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the Small Business Administration (2025–present) and former U.S. senator (2020–2021)[22]
Withdrawn
- John King, Georgia Insurance Commissioner (2019–present) (running for re-election)[23]
Declined
- Andrew Clyde, U.S. representative from Georgia's 9th congressional district (2021–present)[24] (running for re-election)[25]
- Marjorie Taylor Greene, U.S. representative from Georgia's 14th congressional district (2021–present)[26]
- Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia (2019–present)[27]
- Rich McCormick, U.S. representative from Georgia's 7th congressional district (2023–present)[28]
Endorsements
Buddy Carter
- State legislators
- Eric Johnson, state senator from the 1st district (1995–2009)[29]
Mike Collins
- U.S. representatives
- Max Burns, state senator from the 23rd district (2021–present) and former U.S. representative from Georgia's 12th congressional district (2003–2005)[30]
- Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives (1995–1999) from Georgia's 6th congressional district (1979–1999)[31]
- State legislators
- 18 state legislators[a]
- Organizations
Brian Kemp (declined)
- U.S. senators
- Tim Scott, U.S. Senator from South Carolina (2013–present)[33]
- U.S. representatives
Mike Collins, U.S. representative from Georgia's 10th congressional district (2023–present)(entered race in July 2025)[33]
- Local officials
- Erick Erickson, former Macon city councilor (2007–2011)[33]
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of June 30, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Reagan Box (R) | $63,301 | $62,207 | $1,662 |
| Buddy Carter (R) | $3,595,271 | $2,537,327 | $4,076,875 |
| Source: Federal Election Commission[6] | |||
Polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Buddy Carter |
Mike Collins |
Derek Dooley |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TIPP Insights[34][A] | July 28 – August 1, 2025 | 1,123 (RV) | ± 1.8% | 19% | 25% | 7% | 6% | 43% |
Hypothetical polling
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Buddy Carter |
Mike Collins |
Derek Dooley |
Marjorie Taylor Greene |
John King |
Rich McCormick |
Brad Raffensberger |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King withdraws from the race | ||||||||||||
| Trafalgar Group (R)[35] | April 24–27, 2025 | – (LV) | – | 13% | 15% | – | 43% | 2% | 5% | 22% | – | — |
| 23% | 46% | – | — | 11% | 21% | – | – | — | ||||
Independents
Declared
- Al Bartell, management consultant and perennial candidate[36]
Filed paperwork
- Develle Jackson[37]
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Elections[38] | Tossup | July 24, 2025 |
| The Cook Political Report[39] | Tossup | February 13, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[40] | Tossup | March 12, 2025 |
| Race To The WH[41] | Lean D | May 5, 2025 |
Polling
Jon Ossoff vs. Buddy Carter
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
Buddy Carter (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TIPP Insights[34][A] | July 28 – August 1, 2025 | 2,956 (RV) | ± 1.8% | 44% | 40% | 3% | 13% |
| Cygnal (R)[42] | June 16–18, 2025 | 610 (LV) | ± 3.9% | 49% | 42% | – | 9% |
| Cygnal (R)[43] | May 15–17, 2025 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.4% | 46% | 42% | – | 12% |
| Tyson Group (R)[44] | January 30–31, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 47% | 39% | – | 13% |
| WPA Intelligence (R)[45][B] | January 14–15, 2025 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 45% | 32% | – | 23% |
Jon Ossoff vs. Mike Collins
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
Mike Collins (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TIPP Insights[46][A] | July 28 – August 1, 2025 | 2,956 (RV) | ± 1.8% | 45% | 44% | 3% | 8% |
| Cygnal (R)[43] | May 15–17, 2025 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.4% | 46% | 43% | – | 11% |
| Trafalgar Group (R)[35] | April 24–27, 2025 | 1,426 (LV) | ± 2.9% | 48% | 43% | 3% | 6% |
| WPA Intelligence (R)[45][B] | January 14–15, 2025 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 44% | 34% | – | 22% |
Jon Ossoff vs. Derek Dooley
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
Derek Dooley (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TIPP Insights[34][A] | July 28 – August 1, 2025 | 2,956 (RV) | ± 1.8% | 44% | 39% | 4% | 14% |
| Cygnal (R)[42] | June 16–18, 2025 | 610 (LV) | ± 3.9% | 50% | 41% | – | 9% |
Hypothetical polling
Jon Ossoff vs. Brad Raffensperger
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
Brad Raffensperger (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cygnal (R)[43] | May 15–17, 2025 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.4% | 44% | 44% | – | 12% |
| Trafalgar Group (R)[35] | April 24–27, 2025 | 1,426 (LV) | ± 2.9% | 46% | 38% | 10% | 6% |
| Atlanta Journal-Constitution[47][48] | April 15–24, 2025 | 1,000 (RV) | ± 3.1% | 48% | 39% | – | 3% |
| WPA Intelligence (R)[45][B] | January 14–15, 2025 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 46% | 32% | – | 22% |
Jon Ossoff vs. Brian Kemp
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
Brian Kemp (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Journal-Constitution[47][48] | April 15–24, 2025 | 1,000 (RV) | ± 3.1% | 46% | 49% | 5% |
| Quantus Insights (R)[49] | February 11–13, 2025 | 800 (RV) | ± 3.5% | 45% | 48% | 7% |
| Tyson Group (R)[44] | January 30–31, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 42% | 49% | 8% |
| WPA Intelligence (R)[45][B] | January 14–15, 2025 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 40% | 46% | 14% |
Jon Ossoff vs. John King
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
John King (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cygnal (R)[42] | June 16–18, 2025 | 610 (LV) | ± 3.9% | 50% | 40% | 10% |
| Cygnal (R)[43] | May 15–17, 2025 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.4% | 45% | 42% | 13% |
| Atlanta Journal-Constitution[47][48] | April 15–24, 2025 | 1,000 (RV) | ± 3.1% | 51% | 38% | 11% |
| WPA Intelligence (R)[45][B] | January 14–15, 2025 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 47% | 31% | 22% |
Jon Ossoff vs. Marjorie Taylor Greene
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
Marjorie Taylor Greene (R) |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trafalgar Group (R)[35] | April 24–27, 2025 | 1,426 (LV) | ± 2.9% | 48% | 37% | 8% | 7% |
| Atlanta Journal-Constitution[47][48] | April 15–24, 2025 | 1,000 (RV) | ± 3.1% | 54% | 37% | – | 9% |
| Tyson Group (R)[44] | January 30–31, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 51% | 39% | – | 9% |
Jon Ossoff vs. Rich McCormick
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
Rich McCormick (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WPA Intelligence (R)[45][B] | January 14–15, 2025 | 500 (LV) | ± 4.4% | 44% | 33% | 23% |
Jon Ossoff vs. Kelly Loeffler
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
Kelly Loeffler |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cygnal (R)[43] | May 15–17, 2025 | 800 (LV) | ± 3.4% | 46% | 43% | 11% |
Jon Ossoff vs. Generic Republican
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[b] |
Margin of error |
Jon Ossoff (D) |
Generic Republican |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cygnal (R)[50][48] | March 9–10, 2025 | 600 (LV) | ± 4.0% | 44% | 44% | 16% |
Notes
- ^
- Jason Anavitarte, majority leader of the Georgia State Senate (2025–present) from the 31st district (2021–present)[30]
- Lee Anderson, state senator from the 24th district (2017–present)[30]
- James Burchett, state representative from the 176th district (2019–present)[30]
- Beth Camp, state representative from the 135th district (2021–present)[30]
- Clint Crowe, state representative from the 118th district (2021–present)[30]
- Robert Dickey state representative from the 145th district (2011–present)[30]
- Clint Dixon, state senator from the 45th district (2021–present)[30]
- Matthew Gambill, state representative from the 15th district (2019–present)[30]
- Russ Goodman, state senator from the 8th district (2021–present)[30]
- Justin Howard, state representative from the 71st district (2025–present)[30]
- Reynaldo Martinez, state representative from the 111th district (2023–present)[30]
- Jason Ridley, state representative from the 6th district (2017–present)[30]
- Shawn Still, state senator from the 48th district (2023–present)[30]
- Carden Summers, state senator from the 13th district (2020–present)[30]
- Brad Thomas, state representative from the 21st district (2021–present)[30]
- Sam Watson, state senator from the 11th district (2023–present)[30]
- Marcus Wiedower, state representative from the 121st district (2019–present)[30]
- Rick Williams, state senator from the 25th district (2023–present)[30]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Key:
A – all adults
RV – registered voters
LV – likely voters
V – unclear
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. November 25, 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "GIFFORDS PAC endorses Sen. Jon Ossoff for reelection in Georgia". Giffords. July 30, 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.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg (July 18, 2025). "U.S. Rep. Mike Collins prepares Senate run in Georgia, aiming to seize MAGA lane". AJC Politics. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 18, 2025.
- ^ Booker, Brakkton (August 4, 2025). "Former college football coach Derek Dooley enters Georgia Senate race". Politico. Retrieved August 4, 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "'All options are on the table': Ga. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger talks 2026 political plans". WTOC-TV. August 11, 2025. Retrieved August 13, 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.
- ^ McCarthy, Mia; Kashinsky, Lisa; Leonard, Ben (May 6, 2025). "Trump secretaries start hitting the Hill". Politico. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
- ^ Isenstadt, Alex (May 9, 2025). "Scoop: Kemp plans secret White House sortie for Georgia Senate pick". Axios. Retrieved May 9, 2025.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg (July 24, 2025). "John King exits Senate race amid push by Kemp to shape the field". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 24, 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.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg; Mitchell, Tia; Murphy, Patricia; Beam, Adam (July 22, 2025). "Rich McCormick rules out US Senate run in Georgia as GOP field takes shape". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Archived from the original on July 22, 2025. Retrieved July 23, 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 d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Daughtry, Will (July 30, 2025). "As Georgia Senate race heats up, endorsements and cash start flowing". WDUN. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
- ^ Bluestein, Greg; Mitchell, Tia; Murphy, Patricia; Beam, Adam (August 1, 2025). "Some GOP allies are bucking Brian Kemp to back Mike Collins for Senate". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
- ^ "Endorsement: Mike Collins for Senate". July 28, 2025. Retrieved August 4, 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 "League Of American Workers Georgia Survey — July 2025". TIPP Insights. August 7, 2025. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Georgia US Senate Statewide Survey - April 2025" (PDF). The Trafalgar Group. April 29, 2025. Retrieved April 29, 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Mike Collins Takes Early Lead In Georgia Senate Showdown — But Plurality Of Voters Are Undecided". TIPP Insights. August 8, 2025. Retrieved August 8, 2025.
- ^ 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