Georgia Rep. Buddy Carter Enters 2026 Senate Race

Republican Rep. Buddy Carter has officially entered Georgia's 2026 U.S. Senate race, positioning himself as a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump and the MAGA agenda. Carter, who has served six terms representing Georgia's 1st Congressional District, launched his campaign shortly after Gov. Brian Kemp, a presumed GOP frontrunner, announced he would not run. His campaign ad emphasizes opposition to Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff's stances on border security and transgender athletes in girls' sports, aligning closely with Trump’s priorities. Carter is the first established Republican candidate to declare his candidacy, with other potential GOP contenders including Reps. Mike Collins, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Insurance Commissioner John King. While Democrats dismiss Carter's candidacy as aligned with unpopular Trump policies, Ossoff's campaign remains confident, highlighting their ongoing voter turnout efforts. The race is shaping up as a significant contest reflecting broader national debates over Trump’s influence in the Republican Party.