A New Chapter for Georgia Politics: Lucy McBath’s Bid for Governor in 2026
A Rising Star in Georgia Politics Takes the First Step
In a move that has set off ripples of excitement among Democrats, Georgia U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath officially took her first step toward a gubernatorial bid in 2026. On Wednesday, McBath filed paperwork to raise funds for what she describes as an exploratory committee—a procedural step that often precedes a full-fledged campaign. McBath, a four-term member of Congress and a vocal advocate for gun control, is the first Democrat to announce her intention to run for the governor’s seat in the Peach State. With Republican Gov. Brian Kemp ineligible to run for a third term, the race is expected to attract a crowded field of ambitious candidates from both sides of the aisle. McBath’s early move signals her determination to stake a claim in what promises to be a competitive election cycle.
A Dynamic Political Career Marked by Resilience
Lucy McBath’s journey into politics is nothing short of remarkable. In 2018, she made history by defeating Republican Rep. Karen Handel in a highly contested election, flipping a suburban Atlanta seat once held by none other than Newt Gingrich. McBath’s victory was a testament to her grassroots appeal and her ability to connect with voters in a district that had long been a Republican stronghold. Over the years, her political career has been defined by resilience and adaptability. When Republican-led redistricting efforts after the 2020 Census threatened her seat, McBath didn’t hesitate to jump into a high-stakes primary race against fellow Democrat Carolyn Bordeaux, emerging victorious in a landslide. Later, when court-ordered redistricting reshaped the electoral map once again, McBath shifted her focus to a new district on the western side of Atlanta. As a result of these strategic moves, McBath has represented a significantly larger constituency than the average member of Congress—a factor that could prove advantageous as she seeks to build support across the state in her gubernatorial campaign.
A Trailblazing Candidate with a Historic Goal
Lucy McBath’s candidacy holds the promise of history in the making. If successful, she would become the first Black woman to serve as governor of any American state—a milestone that has eluded trailblazers like Stacey Abrams, who lost two gubernatorial bids in 2018 and 2022. While the road to victory is likely to be fraught with challenges, McBath’s profile as a Black woman could provide her with a unique advantage in Georgia’s Democratic primary. Black women have long been the backbone of the Democratic Party in Georgia, and McBath’s personal story of resilience and advocacy has the potential to resonate deeply with this critical voting bloc.
Bridging the Divide: A Bipartisan Appeal for Suburban Voters
While McBath is poised to leverage her identity as a Black woman to galvanize Democratic support, her political strategy also reflects an effort to court voters beyond the party’s traditional base. In particular, she has sought to appeal to suburban swing voters—a group that has played a pivotal role in Georgia’s recent elections. McBath has demonstrated a willingness to take positions that could endear her to moderate Republicans and independents. Earlier this year, she was one of four Georgia Democrats who broke ranks with their party to vote for the Laken Riley Act, a controversial immigration measure named after a Georgia nursing student who was killed by a man in the country illegally. The bill, which makes it easier to deport undocumented immigrants accused of crimes, was signed into law by President Donald Trump during his second term. McBath’s vote on the measure has been interpreted by some as a savvy effort to position herself as a pragmatic, bipartisan leader—a quality that could serve her well in a general election.
From Grief to Advocacy: The Journey of a Mother and a Leader
At the heart of Lucy McBath’s political identity is her deeply personal journey as a mother and an advocate for social justice. Her son, Jordan Davis, was just 17 years old when he was senselessly killed in 2012 by a white man who objected to the loud music Davis and his friends were playing at a gas station in Jacksonville, Florida. The tragedy set McBath on a path of activism, as she became a prominent voice in the fight for gun control. Her advocacy has been bolstered by high-profile support, including backing from Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire former mayor of New York City, who has been a key financier of McBath’s political career. McBath’s commitment to gun safety has yielded tangible results, including her support for a 2022 law that tightened background checks for young gun buyers, expanded protections from domestic violence-related firearm access, and enabled states to adopt red flag laws. McBath’s leadership in this space earned her a prime-time speaking slot at the 2024 Democratic National Convention, where she led a delegation of survivors and family members of gun violence victims.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As Lucy McBath prepares to embark on her gubernatorial campaign, she faces a landscape filled with both challenges and opportunities. On the Republican side, the field is already taking shape, with Attorney General Chris Carr declaring his candidacy and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones widely expected to join the race. McBath is not the only Democrat eyeing the governor’s mansion, as high-profile figures like former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, state Sen. Jason Esteves, and former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond are also exploring bids. Meanwhile, the specter of Stacey Abrams looms large, as the two-time gubernatorial nominee has not ruled out another run—a possibility that could significantly alter the dynamics of the race. For her part, McBath must navigate these complexities while multim tasking between her ongoing duties in Congress and the demands of a statewide campaign. Despite these obstacles, McBath remains optimistic, framing her candidacy as a call to action for everyday Georgians who feel overlooked by the political system. “Georgians deserve a Governor who understands what’s at stake—because they’ve lived it,” McBath declared in a statement released Thursday. As she crisscrosses the state, McBath’s ability to weave her personal story with a vision for Georgia’s future will determine whether her campaign can gain the traction needed to carry her to victory in 2026.
