Most races called in Georgia primaries, several runoffs set

by Tim Darnell

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — On Tuesday, voters chose the Democratic and Republican nominees for a range of federal, state and local races, while several races went to runoffs.

State election officials said Tuesday night primary turnout quickly climbed, with over 850,000 voting on Tuesday alone. Officials said they expect to cross two million votes.

Multiple Cobb County precincts stayed open past 7 p.m. The Ison Springs Elementary School polling location in Sandy Springs will stayed open past 11 p.m.

>> Live election results

Because of the Sandy Springs precinct, Regina Waller with the Fulton County Board of Elections said, “at this time, due to state regulations, we will not provide any results until all polling locations have closed.”

>> FULL ELECTION COVERAGE

Georgia uses an open primary system, meaning any registered voter can participate, but voters must choose one party’s ballot — Democratic or Republican — when they vote.

> Know before you go: How to check your sample ballot, find your voting precinct

The Republican and Democratic primaries will choose candidates for Georgia’s top four constitutional offices, all of which are open for the Nov. 3, 2026, midterms, including the campaign to become the state’s 83rd governor.

> Georgia primary night: 10 questions whose answers will shape the rest of 2026

>> STREAM ANF+

Election officials give update | 3:30 p.m.

Election officials give update after tech issues at Cobb County polling location| 1 p.m.

Sec. of State Brad Raffensperger gives election day update | 9:30 a.m.

Polls are now open across Georgia for the state’s Tuesday primary elections, where voters will choose the Democratic and Republican nominees.

Why it matters

Georgia’s primaries will help set the field for November’s general election in a state that has been closely watched nationally in recent election cycles.
In crowded races, outcomes can push contests into a runoff, extending campaigning and fundraising.
Primaries can decide nominees in U.S. House, statewide offices and local races that often shape policy on issues like budgets, public safety and schools.

Chris Carr, Clark Dean, Rick Jackson, Burt Jones, Gregg Kirkpatrick, Brad Raffensperger, Thomas Williams and Ken Yasger are GOP candidates, while Keisha Lance Bottoms, Olu Brown, Amanda Duffy, Geoff Duncan, Jason Esteves, Derrick Jackson and Michael Thurmond are hoping to become the first Democrat elected Georgia governor this century.

Republicans will also choose between U.S. Reps. Mike Collins and Buddy Carter, former football coach Derek Dooley, John Coyne and Jonathan McColumn to challenge Democratic incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff this fall.

What voters should know

Bring an acceptable ID when voting in person.
You may vote in only one party’s primary in this election.
If a party contest goes to a runoff, your primary ballot choice generally determines which party’s runoff you can vote in.

Voters can check their polling place, sample ballot and voting status through the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page.

Atlanta News First and Atlanta News First+ provide you with the latest news, headlines and insights as Georgia continues its role at the forefront of the nation’s political scene. Download our Atlanta News First app for the latest political news and information.

Atlanta News First podcasts are available now on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music | YouTube