ATLANTA – With the November election in the rearview mirror, attention now turns to 2026 and who will run for Georgia’s top offices.

Brian Robinson of the Robinson Republic said several top 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 Attorney General Chris Carr will throw his hat in the ring. He said that publicly,” Robinson said. “We have to assume that Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is trying to take the next step and 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 had a star turn with the death of his grandmother and then the tributes to his grandfather to him and to Congresswoman Lucy McBath, who has been moved so much in redistricting that she is represented by almost half the state,” he added.

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

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

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

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

“Absolutely, I think he’s definitely built a profile that puts him in that conversation,” Robinson said. “His approval ratings in a purple state are something national viewers and big donors will be watching.”