Georgia Democrats Gain Momentum for 2026

The Democratic Party of Georgia Elects a New Chair

Charlie Bailey has been elected Chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia, and his leadership could shake things up in a big way ahead of the 2026 elections. A former prosecutor and two-time statewide candidate, Bailey enters the role with a blunt assessment: Democrats haven’t been fighting hard enough, and that needs to change.

He’s calling for a more aggressive and strategic approach statewide, something Georgia Democrats have struggled to maintain in the past, even in high-profile races. His plan to “elect as many Democrats as possible” includes:

• Strengthening investment in local organizing across all 159 counties, with a promise to visit each one in his first term

• Expanding media presence and sharpening message discipline to better define what Democrats stand for

• Boosting candidate recruitment and campaign funding, especially in battleground suburbs and rural areas where Democrats need to build support

Bailey succeeds Congresswoman Nikema Williams, who stepped down after the position became a full-time, paid role. While the transition sparked internal debate about the need for diverse representation and a chair more tied to grassroots efforts, Bailey ultimately won the support of key party leaders such as Senator Jon Ossoff and Representative Lucy McBath. He made the case that his experience of losing close races taught him what the party needs to do differently.

Now, it’s up to him to prove he can turn that experience into victories.

Governor Kemp Opts Out of Senate Race

On May 5th, Governor Brian Kemp announced via X that he will not seek a U.S. Senate seat in 2026, saying, “I have decided that being on the ballot next year is not the right decision for me and my family.” Despite intense lobbying from national GOP leaders, his decision has thrown the Republican Party into disarray as they scramble to find a viable replacement. 

For months, Kemp was widely considered the GOP’s strongest challenger to incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff. Many viewed him as the “bridge” between ultra-MAGA Republicans and moderates. Polling data corroborated this, with an AJC poll showing Kemp leading Ossoff by 3.3 percentage points, implying a narrow win. 

Other names like Marjorie Taylor Greene, Mike Collins, and Brad Raffensperger have been floated as potential GOP contenders. Still, none match Kemp’s statewide appeal and are predicted to face a larger uphill battle. 

With Kemp out, Ossoff’s path to victory just got easier, but the race is far from over. He’s the only Democratic senator up for re-election in a state Trump won in 2024, and he knew this would be a tough fight. He’s spent months traveling the state, rallying voters, and preparing for a high-stakes contest. With Republicans holding Senate control (53 - 47), re-securing Ossoff's seat is crucial for helping Democrats gain the majority gain the majority and reclaim the ability to advance their legislative agenda.

We have a real chance to do what’s right for Georgians, so make sure to speak up and VOTE in the 2026 Senate election.

Josh McLaurin Launches Bid for Lt. Governor 

Democratic State Senator Josh McLaurin has officially entered the 2026 race for lieutenant governor. A four-term state legislator and former law school roommate of JD Vance, McLaurin brings a strong record of progressive leadership. Most notably, he has led efforts to protect patient rights, expand Medicaid, and advance common-sense gun safety legislation.

In contrast to our current state leadership, who continuously bow down to Trump rather than standing up for Georgians, McLaurin is running to protect the state from growing Republican extremism. His campaign is built upon the promise to “refocus state government on working people and quality of life.” A key pillar of this goal is opposing Trump’s policies, especially the tariffs that threaten Georgia’s largest ports, small businesses, supply chain workers, and consumers. 

In addition to opposing Trump’s policies, McLaurin is advocating for:

• Restoring reproductive rights

• Increasing affordable housing availability

• Protecting and expanding voting rights

While he recognizes that Republicans will likely retain a majority after the election, he asserts that the office “will be extremely useful for changing the tone of the Senate's business and shining more of a light on the extremist policies Republicans increasingly are passing.”

As the harmful policies from the Trump administration continue to affect our country and its citizens, those with the power to enact change watch in silence. During such tumultuous times, someone like Josh McLaurin, who sees the chaos ensuing and is ready to take charge, is needed to protect our rights and shift the narrative. 

Fact-based news without bias awaits. Make 1440 your choice today.

Overwhelmed by biased news? Cut through the clutter and get straight facts with your daily 1440 digest. From politics to sports, join millions who start their day informed.

Sign up now!