Brad Raffensperger announces run for Georgia governor
Brad Raffensperger announces campaign for governor
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has announced his run for governor of Georgia.
ATLANTA - Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has announced that he is running for governor, joining an already crowded Republican primary field.
What we know:
Raffensperger, first elected secretary of state in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, built his political career as a conservative Republican, serving on the Johns Creek City Council and in the state House before becoming the state’s top elections official.
He has frequently highlighted his record on election security, including championing legislation requiring photo ID for voting.
Brad Raffensperger officially running for governor
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who rose to national prominence following the 2020 election, wants to be Georgia's next governor. He official threw his hat into the ring this week.
Raffensperger's Platform
What they're saying:
Raffensperger has outlined what he calls a "business plan for Georgia’s future," focused on affordability, job growth and public safety. His proposals include capping property taxes for seniors, eliminating the state income tax and offering incentives for childcare and school choice.
He also calls for creating "tax free zones" in struggling communities, expanding technical school programs and encouraging companies to bring jobs back to Georgia.
On social issues, Raffensperger backs stricter school safety policies, a ban on puberty blockers and transition surgeries for minors, and new limits on transgender athletes.
He has also pledged stronger support for law enforcement, expanded deportation efforts for criminal immigrants and protections for gun rights and religious liberty.
Raffensperger faces stiff competition in gubernatorial race
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has announced that he is running for governor, joining an already crowded Republican primary field.
Dig deeper:
Raffensperger, first elected secretary of state in 2018 and reelected in 2022, gained national attention during the 2020 presidential election when he refused Trump’s request to overturn Georgia’s results. His campaign launch makes official months of speculation about whether he would seek higher office.
Raffensperger has proven he can weather political storms. After defying Trump’s pressure in 2020, he won reelection statewide two years later, a victory some analysts say shows his durability with Georgia voters.
What they're saying:
"I’m a conservative Republican and I’m prepared to make the tough decisions," Raffensperger said in a campaign ad released Wednesday. "I follow the law and the Constitution, and I’ll always do the right thing for Georgia no matter what."
Tough Competition
What's next:
Both parties are expected to see more candidates join in the coming weeks, adding to what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive gubernatorial contests in the country.
He will face tough competition from other leading GOP figures, including Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Attorney General Chris Carr, as well as candidates Leland Olinger and Ken Yasger.
Growing race for governor
Multiple politicians have now announced their intent to run for governor of Georgia in 2026. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger was the latest to announce his campaign. There are candidates on both the Republican and Democrat sides.
Democrat candidates include former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, Sen. Jason Esteves, and Rep. Derrick Jackson.
2026 Georgia election races to watch | List of candidates
Democratic Response
The other side:
The Democratic Party in Georgia sent the following statement after Raffensperger's announcement:
"As he wades into the governor’s race, Brad Raffensperger will have to pay the price of admission to any 2026 GOP primary: fully embracing Donald Trump and his toxic agenda of sky-high costs, shuttered hospitals, health care cuts, and economic chaos. We’ll see if Raffensperger can successfully out-MAGA Burt Jones and Chris Carr to win this messy, bruising primary – good luck!"