ATLANTA – With the November election in the rearview mirror, attention now turns to 2026 and the candidates for Georgia’s highest office.

The Robinson Republic’s Brian Robinson said several prominent Democrats and Republicans are possible contenders in the race to replace two-term Gov. Brian Kemp when he leaves office.

“On the Republican side, we know that Attorney General Chris Carr is going to go for it. He’s said so publicly,” Robinson said. “We have to assume that Lt. Gov. Burt Jones plans to take the next step and has said he will make an announcement after the legislative session.”

“On the Democratic side, you have DeKalb CEO Mike Thurmond, you have the former Democratic candidate, a former state senator, Jason Carter, who obviously became a minor star with the death of his grandmother and then tributes to his grandfather and Congresswoman Lucy McBath, who was so displaced during redistricting that she represents almost half the state,” he added.

Republicans will try to win back one of the two U.S. Senate seats in 2026 as Democratic Sen. John Ossoff is up for re-election.

Robinson believes Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s prominence and broad appeal would make him a strong candidate.

“He’s in front of us every day, isn’t he?” Robinson explained. “We see him work and Georgians often don’t get to see their state officials other than the governor work. Brad is different, people have seen him, and he’s known and probably one of the Georgia’s most respected and trusted leaders.”

As the Who’s Who of Georgia politics ponders their next moves, Robinson believes Gov. Kemp may have his eyes on the White House and the 2028 presidential race.

“Absolutely, I think he’s certainly built a profile that puts him in that conversation,” Robinson said. “His favorable ratings in a purple state are something national observers and big donors will keep an eye on.”