In brief
Brad Raffensperger, the Republican Secretary of State of Georgia, has announced he will run for governor in 2026. Previously acclaimed for standing up against former President Trump regarding the 2020 election, Raffensperger's candidacy is set against a backdrop of a divided Republican field. He promises a strongly conservative agenda, focusing on tax reforms and social issues, while facing potential party opposition.
ATLANTA (RTW) — Brad Raffensperger, the Republican Secretary of State who famously rejected Donald Trump's bid to overturn Georgia's 2020 election results, announced on Wednesday that he is running for governor in 2026.
The former engineering entrepreneur is expected to appeal primarily to business-minded Republicans who traditionally dominated GOP primaries in the state. However, he has pledged a strongly conservative platform even as he remains at odds with Trump and his faction.
I am a conservative Republican, and I am prepared to make tough decisions. I follow the law and the Constitution, and I will always do what is right for Georgia, no matter the cost, Raffensperger stated in a video announcement.
After defying Trump's expectations and winning reelection in 2022, Raffensperger now faces the challenge of convincing GOP primary voters of his candidacy in a climate still hostile to him from Trump's camp. Recently, Georgia's Republican Party voted to prohibit him from running as a Republican; however, the party chairman suggested this ruling might not hold up.
Raffensperger's announcement comes amidst a competitive primary season where other notable Republicans such as Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Attorney General Chris Carr have also declared their candidacies. Notably, Jones has positioned himself as a staunch Trump supporter, while Carr sided with Raffensperger during the 2020 election fallout.
On the Democratic side, significant candidates include former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, state Senator Jason Esteves, and others. As the landscape evolves, Raffensperger aims to push what he calls a 'bold conservative agenda' focusing on eliminating state income tax, capping property taxes for seniors, and introducing policies regarding education and immigration.
At 70 years old, Raffensperger brings a wealth of political experience, having previously sold his engineering company. His tenure has been marked by controversial battles over voting rights and electoral integrity, which have thrust him into the national spotlight.
As he embarks on this new chapter of his political career, Raffensperger's ability to leverage his established reputation among both Republicans and Democrats will be critical in navigating the complex dynamics leading to the 2026 gubernatorial race.
