In brief
Former Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has declared his candidacy for Georgia Governor in the 2026 elections, aligning himself with traditional conservative values while navigating a complex political landscape. His past rebellion against Trump’s electoral claims may complicate his campaign, as he confronts both opposition from the former president's allies and competition from established Republican candidates.
ATLANTA (AP) — Brad Raffensperger, the Republican secretary of state who famously stood up to Donald Trump's attempts to overturn Georgia's 2020 election results, has officially announced his bid to run for governor in 2026.
Raffensperger, a wealthy entrepreneur and engineer, seeks to appeal to business-oriented Republicans while maintaining a staunchly conservative campaign that may alienate him from Trump loyalists. His candidacy increases competition within the GOP, a party that has seen uninterrupted governance in Georgia since 2002.
In an announcement video, Raffensperger proclaimed, “I’m a conservative Republican, and I’m prepared to make the tough decisions. I follow the law and the Constitution, and I’ll always do the right thing for Georgia no matter what.”
Despite having successfully defied Trump's ire to secure reelection in 2022, Raffensperger will once again confront the challenge of winning over GOP primary voters who may still harbor resentment towards him due to Trump's influence. Adding to the complexity of his campaign, the Georgia Republican Party had previously voted to ban him from running under its banner, although the effectiveness of this decision remains uncertain.
Raffensperger faces formidable competition from fellow Republicans, including Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Attorney General Chris Carr, both of whom have addressed the impact of Trump's presidency on Georgia's political landscape, with Jones having previously sworn allegiance to Trump in 2020.
On the Democratic side, notable candidates include former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and state Sen. Jason Esteves, signaling a robust contest as both parties prepare for the impending election. Raffensperger pledges to advocate for a “bold conservative agenda," covering policies from tax reforms to educational curriculum changes.
Despite starting his campaign later than others, Raffensperger boasts name recognition and personal wealth, having sold his engineering firm in 2023. Overcoming personal tragedies and professional pitfalls during his tenure, he aims to reshape his political narrative and prove his reliability as a conservative leader in Georgia.
