Georgia Holds Primary Election Tuesday for Senate and Governor Races

Georgia will hold primary elections on Tuesday to choose nominees for the U.S. Senate and the governor’s office. The contests will set the candidates for the November midterm elections.

Ossoff faces no opposition in his party’s primary. Five Republicans are competing to challenge him, including U.S. Representatives Buddy Carter and Mike Collins. Collins leads recent polls with about 22 percent support, followed by Carter at 12.5 percent and Derek Dooley at 11 percent.

If no candidate reaches 50 percent, a runoff will occur on June 16. Outgoing Republican Governor Brian Kemp endorsed Dooley. Former U.S. Army General Jonathan McColumn and businessman John Coyne are also running. Collins has raised the most money but faces an ongoing ethics investigation.

Bottoms leads the Democratic field with support in the high 40s. Her opponents include former DeKalb County executive Michael Thurmond, former Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, and state Senator Jason Esteves.

Candidates have focused on affordability, election administration, and redistricting. Governor Kemp has called a special legislative session in June to redraw congressional districts following a Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act. The outcome of the November elections will determine who oversees election procedures and map drawing for the 2028 cycle.

Political Context Democrats won both U.S. Senate seats in Georgia in 2020.

Republicans currently hold majorities in both chambers of Congress. Control of the Senate and House after November will affect the final two years of President Trump’s term.