Georgia’s 2026 Races to Watch — and Democrat Shelia Edwards is on the Ballot

Qualifying Begins Monday, Key Races to Watch

Atlanta, GA — As qualifying begins Monday for Georgia’s statewide races — with absentee ballots already available — several contests are drawing intense attention from voters, political observers, and grassroots organizers. Candidates have between March 2 and 6 to submit paperwork to appear on the primary ballot.

The primaries to determine the Republican and Democratic nominees are set for May 19, 2026, with a runoff, if needed, on June 16. Election Day is Nov. 3, 2026.

Candidates for governor and other statewide offices must bring a valid photo ID, a completed notice of candidacy and affidavit, and the qualifying fee to the State Capitol: room 230 for Democrats and room 216 for Republicans. For more information, visit georgia.gov/run-public-office.

Below are key races to watch, including background on a notable Democratic candidate from the 2022 statewide cycle.

Governor

The 2026 governor’s race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent Georgia history, with policy debates on education, healthcare, public safety and the economy taking center stage.

GA governor candidates for Democratic Party

• Keisha Bottoms
• Olu Brown
• Geoff Duncan
• Jason Esteves
• Derrick Jackson
• Mike Thurmond

GA governor candidates for Republican Party

• Chris Carr
• Clark Dean
• Rick Jackson
• Burt Jones
• Gregg Kirkpatrick
• Leland Olinger II
• Brad Raffensperger
• Ken Yasger

Lt. Governor

This contest can influence the trajectory of the state Senate and legislative priorities. Candidates’ records on economic and community development will be under scrutiny.

U.S. Senate

Georgia once again plays a pivotal role nationally as candidates jockey for a U.S. Senate seat. This race has major implications for control of the U.S. Senate and national policymaking.

Secretary of State

With Georgia at the center of election integrity debates, the secretary of state race is a hot-button issue. The winner will oversee elections and voter registration at a time of heightened public interest.

Public Service Commission (PSC)

The PSC isn’t often in the headlines, but this regulatory body has significant influence over utility rates, energy policy and infrastructure decisions. Their decisions affect electricity, natural gas, telecommunications services and broadband services for millions across the state.

Shelia Edwards — 2022 Democratic Nominee

One notable in the PSC race is Democrat Shelia Edwards, who was the Democratic nominee for the District 3 seat on the Georgia Public Service Commission in 2022. Edwards, a veteran of local politics and government communications, won the Democratic primary with about 55% of the vote, beating other opponents and avoiding a runoff.

Her candidacy initially faced a court challenge over a residency requirement, as she lived in Cobb County while running for a seat representing DeKalb, Fulton, and Clayton counties. A judge ruled she was eligible because the election was to fill an unexpired term. Edwards is also a publisher of a local news outlet and a small business owner, bringing experience in government communications and public affairs.

While the 2022 PSC elections were later affected by legal and logistical delays, candidates like Edwards and patty Durand helped highlight the importance of utility regulation and consumer protection in Georgia’s political discourse. Her advocacy, along with others, impacted the 2025 elections which resulted in the election of two Democrats to the powerful PSC board. Edwards is now seeking the third seat, aiming to secure a Democratic majority on the commission to halt the continuous rise of utility rates on the backs of Georgia working families, seniors and veterans, and to address the growing onslaught of data centers in the state.

Beyond statewide races, several state legislative seats, county offices and judicial positions could tip the balance of power in the General Assembly. These local races often shape policy on education, infrastructure, and public safety.

What to Watch This Week:

• Candidate qualifying period: All contenders must meet filing requirements to appear on the ballot.
• Absentee ballot requests: Voters who prefer mail voting can request a ballot now; it must be received by Election Day to count.
• Early signs of primary campaigns: Watch fundraising, endorsements, and campaign messaging as candidates begin to define themselves.

Georgia’s 2026 election cycle is set to be one of the most consequential in recent memory, with races that could shape the state’s policy direction for years to come.