Georgians headed back to the polls Tuesday for municipal runoff elections as both parties look ahead to a long and expensive fight for control of the state’s highest offices in 2026.
Is Georgia a midterm swing state?
Political strategists said the runoffs close out a year that revealed shifting turnout patterns and rising competitiveness across Georgia. They expect the next several months to bring major spending, crowded fields and intensified campaigning for governor, U.S. Senate and other top statewide races.
Democratic strategist Tharon Johnson said both parties see opportunity as Georgia continues to split closely between them. Johnson said, “I think that we are a purple state in Georgia with Democrats and Republicans, right now, feeling like there are chances for them to win more seats and some to retain.”
Republican strategist Brian Robinson said national headwinds will shape the fight for statewide offices. Robinson said, “If people feel like the country is going in the right direction, that could be a benefit for Republicans. If voters think the country is going in the wrong direction, that could benefit Democrats.”
Georgia’s governor and U.S. Senate races
While Georgia’s U.S. Senate race has drawn national attention, Robinson said the 2026 governor’s race will dominate the political landscape. He said, “The governor of Georgia is immensely powerful, and both parties have crowded fields competing in that race. So, it’s hugely important for the next four years. Really, nothing is more important in Georgia than who our next governor is.”
Democrats are looking to build on momentum from November’s Public Service Commission race, where voters ousted two long-time Republican incumbents. Johnson said the results showed that well-funded Democratic candidates with a clear message can compete statewide. Johnson said, “For over two decades in this state, Republicans have had the opportunity to control all forms of state government. While nothing lasts forever, and what the race showed us is that if you have qualified candidates who are on the Democratic ticket with the message and well-financed, you can actually win in Georgia. And so, I think that Democrats are feeling very emboldened about the upcoming elections.”
Robinson said Democrats benefited from heavy turnout tied to municipal races during the November election, while Republicans were slower to engage in the PSC contest. Robinson said, “That was a major factor. On the other hand, Republicans can’t ignore the 26-point margin. That is a staggering margin and one that should give Republicans pause. It does indicate that there are some rocky environmental factors at play here, and that may be alleviated by the end of 2026, but we don’t know.”
With Tuesday’s runoff results expected to settle local contests across the state, strategists said candidates for statewide office are already preparing to separate themselves from increasingly crowded fields heading into 2026.
The midterm primary election is scheduled for May 19, 2026, with the runoff scheduled for June 16, 2026.
The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026, with a runoff scheduled for Dec. 1, 2026, if needed.
