Key Question
Why does Georgia's governor race sit level as Kemp exits?
Timeline for Brian Kemp
#18 23 Sept
Chose not to seek re-election, leaving Georgia's governorship open
US Midterms 2026: YouGov puts Ossoff 10 points clear#13 12 Jul
Mentioned in: Graham's sister appointed to his seat
US Midterms 2026#2 3 Apr
Mentioned in: SAVE System Flags 1 in 6 Wrongly
US Midterms 2026Background
Brian Kemp is Georgia's Republican governor. He has held the office since 2019 and cannot seek another term in 2026 under the state's term-limit rules.
His departure makes the 2026 governor's contest an open-seat race. A YouGov poll published on 23 September placed that race at 45% to 44%, showing how closely contested the succession could be.
Kemp's relevance rests on the office he holds and the political transition created by his term limit. The available evidence identifies no separate, durable storyline beyond that transition.
Common Questions
Is Brian Kemp running for re-election?
No; Georgia's term limits bar a third term, so he is not on the 2026 ballot.
How close is Georgia's governor's race?
A YouGov poll published 22 September 2026 had it level at 45-44.Source: YouGov
Is Georgia's Senate race close in 2026?
No; Cook Political Report moved it from Lean Democrat to Likely Democrat, with Jon Ossoff leading Mike Collins 51% to 41% in a YouGov poll.Source: event
How the World Sees Them
Thune's critics on the right, including Senator Ron Johnson
Abolish the filibuster, pass the SAVE Act
Senator John Thune
appreciated the opportunity to have an open, honest, and transparent conversation with my colleagues today
Donald Trump
It's all about the machines, which are far more important than the voter!
Judge David O. Carter
The right to vote is sacred.
South Carolina State Election Commission
the requirements of South Carolina election law
Ty Masterson, Republican candidate for governor of Kansas
Every Kansan deserves to know the result is right
Cindy Hyde-Smith's campaign, the NRSC and the Mississippi Republican Party
This election is not over.
Scott Colom's campaign
They made it much more difficult to fundraise
Senator Dan S. Sullivan
I'm going to accept the election results.
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 24 September 2026. Editorial standards.