Seven candidates are running in the Democratic Party primary for governor on May 19, 2026. Four candidates—Keisha Bottoms, Geoff Duncan, Jason Esteves, and Michael Thurmond—lead in polling, fundraising, and media coverage ahead of the primary.

Roy Barnes (D) (1998) was the last Democrat elected governor in the state. The Current's Craig Nelson wrote that at a January 8, 2026, forum, "The candidates hoping to help end that ignominious streak ... gained needed exposure outside the capitol Atlanta, even as most voters are still paying no attention to the race and few even know who they are."

Bottoms was the Mayor of Atlanta from 2018 to 2022. She was also a senior adviser to former President Joe Biden (D) and a member of the Atlanta City Council. According to her campaign website, Bottoms is running for governor "to deliver for working families and bring steady leadership to Georgia in the midst of uncertainty and chaos coming from Washington."

In an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Bottoms said her goals as governor would include expanding Medicaid, improving public education, eliminating state income taxes for teachers, offering free technical and community college, and helping small businesses.

Duncan was a Republican lieutenant governor from 2019 to 2023. On August 5, 2025, he announced in an op-ed that he was switching to the Democratic Party, stating, "My decision was centered around my daily struggle to love my neighbor, as a Republican." Duncan told Axios, "And quite honestly, I'm the only Democrat in this race that can beat a Republican because I've got Democrats, independents and disgusted Republicans that will show up and vote for me."

Duncan's campaign website stated, "As governor, Geoff will fight for Georgia families in all 159 counties — bringing down the cost of childcare, healthcare, and housing while ensuring our state rejects extremism and embraces the values of fairness, opportunity, and love thy neighbor."

Esteves was a public school teacher, lawyer, and Georgia state senator. He was also a member of the Atlanta Public Schools school board. Esteves said, "I’m running for Governor to make Georgia the number one place to work, start a business, and raise a family."

Esteves' campaign website said his priorities included lowering the cost of living, expanding access to healthcare, investing in small businesses, increasing public education funding, and overturning Georgia's abortion ban.

Thurmond is a former DeKalb County executive, state representative, state labor commissioner, and interim DeKalb County School district superintendent. In a statement announcing his candidacy, Thurmond said, "I’m running for Governor to fight for working families, protect and expand access to healthcare, and build an education system that creates multiple pathways to success."

Thurmond is running on his public service record. According to his campaign website, "Today, Mike Thurmond is ready to add a new chapter to Georgia’s story as our next governor. At a time of rising costs and declining trust Mike is exactly what our state needs to grow faster, stronger, safer and more equitable."

Olu Brown, Derrick Jackson, and Ruwa Romman are also running.