In brief
Brad Raffensperger, Georgia's Secretary of State, has declared his candidacy for governor in 2026. Despite his past conflicts with Donald Trump, Raffensperger aims to appeal to business-oriented Republicans with a strongly conservative campaign that includes eliminating the state income tax and pushing for stringent immigration policies. His ability to self-fund and recognition among voters may play a crucial role in the upcoming Republican primaries, which also feature other prominent candidates.
ATLANTA — Georgia's Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has officially announced his candidacy for governor in the 2026 elections, a move that comes in the wake of his rejection of former President Donald Trump's bid to overturn the state's results from the controversial 2020 electoral process. Raffensperger, a prominent figure due to his insistence on election integrity, is positioning himself as a conservative choice for voters, emphasizing a commitment to upholding the law and advancing a strict conservative agenda.In a newly released campaign video, Raffensperger stated, I'm a conservative Republican, and I'm prepared to make the tough decisions. I follow the law and the Constitution, and I’ll always do the right thing for Georgia no matter what. Despite experiencing scorn from Trump and his followers, he is forging ahead with a campaign that could alter the political landscape of Georgia's Republican primary, which has seen the party hold the governorship since 2002.Alongside Raffensperger in the race are Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Attorney General Chris Carr, each showcasing distinct political tracks, with Jones openly declaring himself a Trump-aligned elector in 2020 while Carr backed Raffensperger amid election challenges. Raffensperger's campaign focuses on tax reform, including the elimination of the state income tax and other sweeping proposals aimed at solidifying his conservative credentials.Meanwhile, Democrats are also gearing up for the 2026 race, featuring candidates like former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and state Sen. Jason Esteves, who recently resigned from the Senate to devote himself fully to the gubernatorial campaign.With his campaign launch falling later than his competitors, Raffensperger is expected to leverage his name recognition and personal finances amassed from selling his engineering company to fuel his gubernatorial ambitions. Throughout his political journey, particularly during and following the tumultuous 2020 election cycle, Raffensperger has faced significant challenges, including threats and public scrutiny. However, his resolve to uphold electoral integrity has positioned him as a central figure in Georgia's evolving political narrative.
