In brief
Brad Raffensperger, known for standing firm against Trump's pressure to overturn the 2020 election, is set to run for governor in 2026. The Republican Secretary of State's campaign will emphasize a conservative agenda, including tax elimination and educational reform. His entry into the race adds intensity to an already competitive Republican primary in Georgia, where he faces challenges from other prominent GOP figures. On the Democratic side, Geoff Duncan, who also defied Trump, has declared his candidacy, promising a fresh path in Georgia politics.
ATLANTA (AP) — After garnering national attention for rejecting former President Donald Trump's call to overturn the 2020 election results, Georgia’s Brad Raffensperger has officially announced his candidacy for governor in the 2026 elections.
The wealthy entrepreneur and conservative powerhouse, who successfully won reelection in 2022 despite backlash from Trump supporters, presented a bold agenda in his campaign announcement, stating, “I follow the law and the Constitution, and I’ll always do the right thing for Georgia no matter what.”
His stance is expected to resonate primarily with business-minded Republicans eager for leadership focused on economic growth. However, Raffensperger will face competition from other prominent GOP candidates, including Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who maintains strong ties to Trump.
Raffensperger's campaign promises include tax reforms, such as eliminating state income taxes, along with strict educational policies aimed at banning “woke curriculums” in schools. He also plans to take measures against what he describes as excessive influence in education.
The Republican primary in Georgia has seen constant shifts since 2002, with Raffensperger’s candidacy shaking up the political landscape. His continued commitment to conservative principles puts him at odds with some within the party, especially those aligned with Trump.
Simultaneously, on the Democratic side, other candidates are beginning to make moves, including the former Atlanta mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms, and state Sen. Jason Esteves. Notably, Geoff Duncan has also declared his intention to run as a Democrat after distancing himself from Trump during his term as lieutenant governor.
As Raffensperger enters this new chapter of political life, his previous experiences will play a pivotal role in shaping his campaign as he seeks to secure the governorship for Georgia.
