Georgia's 2026 GOP primaries reveal tight races and voter priorities
The race for Georgia's 2026 Republican nominations is heating up, with fresh polling revealing clear front-runners in both the gubernatorial and Senate primaries. A JMC Analytics survey from early March shows candidates sharpening their focus on suburban Atlanta and rural areas as they push economic messages to secure leads before November's general election.
The data also highlights key divisions among voters, with inflation and border security dominating concerns across the state.
In the gubernatorial primary, health care executive Rick Jackson holds a narrow lead at 27%. His strongest backing comes from MAGA-aligned and evangelical Republicans, giving him an edge in the Atlanta suburbs as well as north and south Georgia. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones follows with 22%, while Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger leads in the Atlanta media market. Jones, however, faces legal trouble after Jackson filed a defamation lawsuit against him.
The Senate primary sees U.S. Rep. Mike Collins ahead with 31% support. His advantage spans most demographic and regional groups, except South Georgia, where Rep. Buddy Carter maintains a pocket of support. Former football coach Derek Dooley, backed by Gov. Brian Kemp, sits in second place with 13%. Campaigns are now ramping up efforts in critical areas. Suburban counties like Cobb and Gwinnett, along with rural strongholds in South Georgia, have become key battlegrounds. Candidates are pouring resources into ads focused on economic issues, aiming to lock in their leads before the November elections. Polling suggests Republican contenders currently hold a 5-8 point edge in both the gubernatorial and Senate races. Voters' priorities are clear: inflation and the cost of living rank highest, particularly among most Republican subgroups. Border security and illegal immigration also remain top concerns, shaping the messaging strategies of all major campaigns.
The primary contests will determine which candidates advance to the general election with momentum. Jackson's lead in the gubernatorial race and Collins' dominance in the Senate primary set the stage for intense competition in the coming months. With legal challenges and targeted ad campaigns underway, the focus remains on solidifying support in Georgia's most influential voting blocs before the final stretch.
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