2026 Voter’s Guide

by Jordan Barela

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — 2026 is a crucial election year for the Peach State.

This year, voters will decide on a new governor, choose who will represent them in the U.S. Senate and participate in a slew of other statewide races and U.S. House races for Georgia’s representatives.

>> WATCH OUR MIDTERM VOTING GUIDE

This November is a critical election for Georgians as voters will decide the Peach State's next leader.

What races are on the November ballot?

In November, Georgians will decide who the next governor will be. Whoever wins will be at the forefront of change following two terms under Gov. Brian Kemp.

Another major race Georgia voters will decide is who will represent the state in the U.S. Senate.

Ahead of the November election, Gray Media and Atlanta News First announced the major contenders for governor and the U.S. Senate will participate in broadcasts originating from Assembly Studios in Doraville.

The debates will air live on Gray Media stations across every media market in Georgia, providing statewide access ahead of the November election.

Here’s what to know:

Along with the governor’s race and the U.S. Senate race, all of the other statewide executive races are also on the ballot.

Those races are:

There are two Public Service Commission races that will be decided in November.

There are also several U.S. House races on the ballot. Voters who live in those congressional districts will decide the representative.

U.S. House District 1

Amanda Hollowell, Democrat
Jim Kingston, Republican

U.S. House District 2

Sanford Bishop, Democrat (incumbent)
Matt Day, Republican

U.S. House District 3

Brian Jack, Republican (incumbent)
Maura Keller, Democrat

U.S. House District 4

Hank Johnson, Democrat (incumbent)
James Duffie, Republican

U.S. House District 5

Nikema Williams, Democrat (incumbent)
John Salvesen, Republican

U.S. House District 6

Lucy McBath, Democrat (incumbent)
Kevin Martin, Republican

U.S. House District 7

Rick McCormick, Republican (incumbent)
Tony Kozycki, Democrat

U.S. House District 8

Austin Scott, Republican (incumbent)
Kelly Esti, Democrat

U.S. House District 9

Andrew Clyde, Republican (incumbent)
Caitlyn Gegen, Democrat

U.S. House District 10

Houston Gaines, Republican
Pamela DeLancy, Democrat

U.S. House District 11

Chris Harden, Democrat
Dr. John Cowan, Republican
Natalie Richoz, Independent

U.S. House District 12

Rick Allen, Republican (incumbent)
Ceretta Smith, Democrat

U.S. House District 13

Dr. Jasmine Clark, Democrat
Jonathan Chavez, Republican

U.S. House District 14

Clay Fuller, Republican (incumbent)
Shawn Harris, Democrat
Rob Ruszkowski, Independent
Andrew Underwood, Libertarian

Are there any ballot measures?

Yes. Voters will see three different ballot measures that they will decide in November.

Ballot Measure #1: Creating a Next Generation 911 fund

What is the measure: This would dedicate funding to upgrade emergency services and 911 systems across the state. In the last legislative session, lawmakers approved an overhaul and modernization of the state’s emergency communications called “Next Gen 911.”
Voting yes supports creating the fund. Voting no will not create the fund.

Ballot Measure #2: Probate court judge elections would be nonpartisan

What is the measure: This makes electing a probate judge nonpartisan, meaning party affiliation next to candidates’ names will not be shown on ballots in future elections.
Voting yes means all probate court judges will be elected on a nonpartisan basis. Voting no maintains that probate court judges can be elected in partisan elections.

Ballot Measure #3: Increasing the maximum qualifying acreage for agriculture and conservation use

What is the measure: This would increase the acreage cap that qualifies farmland through the CUVA program. The program is a 10-year property tax reduction program that helps land owners protect farmland, timber and green spaces from development pressure, according to the Georgia Farm Bureau.
Voting yes supports increasing the maximum acreage to qualify from 2,000 to 4,000 acres. Voting no keeps the existing acreage limit in place.

How can I vote in the November election?

There are several ways Georgians can cast their ballot in the November election.

How can I register to vote in the November election?

How can I check my sample ballot?

How can I find where my voting precinct is?

What important dates do I need to keep in mind for the 2026 election?

Here are important dates to bookmark:

Sept. 19: Sample ballots available
Oct. 5: Last day to register to vote for November 2026 election
Oct. 13: First day of early voting
Oct. 30: Last day of early voting
Nov. 3: Election Day
Dec. 1: Runoff Day, if necessary.

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