Georgia gubernatorial candidates make final push ahead of primary

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Candidates for Georgia governor are making final efforts to earn voter support as the state’s primary elections approach on May 19.

Democratic candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms stopped in Savannah on Saturday, speaking directly with voters.

“Coastal Georgia matters,” Bottoms said.

Democratic race

Seven Democratic candidates are in the race for the governor’s seat. Bottoms is leading in the polls with just under 50% of the vote. The former Atlanta mayor has also received the endorsement of former President Joe Biden.

Bottoms told Savannah voters Saturday that she is a battle-tested leader.

“I will continue to focus on those issues that are facing our communities, whether that be the cost of living, affordability, expanding healthcare,” Bottoms said.

Mike Thurmond is second in the polls with 13% of Democratic support. Thurmond is the former Georgia labor commissioner, serving in the role for a decade. He said if elected, he will fight for everyday Georgians.

“I’m going to fight for working families, I’m going to fight for those senior citizens who are struggling to purchase medicine and put food on the table on a fixed income, I’m going to fight for farmers and small business owners,” Thurmond said.

Republican race

Eight candidates are on the Republican ballot. The two front-runners are Rick Jackson and Burt Jones.

Jackson is pulling ahead of Jones, but the race is still tight. Jackson, a conservative businessman, is promising voters to lower taxes if elected.

“My focus is on reducing taxes all together, I plan on doing that by 50% in my first term,” Jackson said.

Jones received the stamp of approval from President Donald Trump. Jones said he and the president share the same vision for Georgia — keeping the state red. The lieutenant governor said he is prepared to do just that.

“We’ve got to put the best people in these positions to make sure in November we keep it red, and I think I am the best person to do that and so does he,” Jones said.

If needed, runoff elections will be held June 16. The primary winners will face off in November.