Georgia voters made several major decisions during Tuesday’s primary election, and while the governor and Senate races grabbed most of the headlines, there were also important statewide judicial races, local races, and runoff elections that could shape Georgia politics for years to come.
Here’s a full breakdown of what happened and what voters need to know next.
Governor’s Race Heads To Runoff
Georgia’s Republican race for governor is officially headed to a runoff after no candidate received more than 50% of the vote. Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and healthcare executive Rick Jackson emerged as the top two candidates and will now face off again in June. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Attorney General Chris Carr did not advance.
On the Democratic side, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms secured the Democratic nomination after defeating Jason Esteves, Mike Thurmond, Geoff Duncan, Derrick Jackson, Amanda Duffy, and Olu Brown.
U.S. Senate Race Also Going To Runoff
Georgia Republicans will also head back to the polls for the U.S. Senate runoff race. Congressman Mike Collins and former football coach Derek Dooley advanced after neither candidate reached the required 50% threshold Tuesday night.
The winner will face incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in November.
Supreme Court Justices Keep Their Seats
Several judicial races were also closely watched this year, especially with issues like abortion rights and the potential of redistricting maps looming over the campaigns.
Georgia Supreme Court Justice Charlie Bethel defeated challenger Miracle Rankin, while Justice Sarah Warren defeated former Democratic state senator Jen Jordan.
Judicial races in Georgia are officially nonpartisan, but these races drew significant political attention and campaign spending this election cycle.
Attorney General Race Decided
State Sen. Brian Strickland defeated Bill Cowsert in the Republican primary for Georgia Attorney General, officially becoming the GOP nominee for the office.
Lieutenant Governor & Secretary Of State Races Headed To Runoff
Two additional statewide races are also going to runoff elections:
- Democratic lieutenant governor candidates Josh McLaurin and Nabilah Parkes will face off in June.
- Republican secretary of state candidates Tim Fleming and Vernon Jones also advanced to a runoff election.
- Democratic secretary of state candidates Dana Barrett, who is the current Fulton County Commissioner, and former Judge Penny Brown Reynolds will also face off again in a runoff elections
Fulton County Chairman Race Too Close To Call
In Fulton County, former commissioner Mo Ivory led incumbent Robb Pitts in the county chairman race but did not secure enough votes to avoid a runoff.
That race is expected to receive heavy attention locally over the next several weeks.
Record Turnout Across Georgia
Georgia saw massive early voting turnout ahead of Tuesday’s election. More than 1 million Georgians cast ballots early — significantly higher than previous primary cycles. Democrats also reportedly requested more ballots during early voting than Republicans.
What Happens Next?
Georgia Runoff Election Date
The runoff election will take place Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Early Voting For Runoff
- Early voting begins June 6
- Early voting ends June 12
General Election
Georgia’s general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Important Reminder For Voters
If you voted in either party’s primary election, you must stay with that same party in the runoff election. However, voters who cast nonpartisan ballots can choose either runoff. Georgia voters do not need to re-register to participate in the runoff.
Find Out Who Won Their Primary And Who's Heading Towards A Runoff
Find Out Who Won Their Primary And Who's Heading Towards A Runoff
