Georgia State Rep. Derrick Jackson Announces 2026 Gubernatorial Bid

Georgia State Representative Derrick Jackson has officially launched his campaign for governor in the 2026 race, joining a competitive Democratic field including Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, state Sen. Jason Esteves, and pastor Olu Brown. Jackson highlights his 42 years of leadership experience spanning military service in the U.S. Navy, corporate America, and state politics to differentiate himself and emphasizes his commitment to policies such as expanding Medicaid, implementing stricter gun control, and repealing Georgia’s restrictive abortion law. He aims to be a governor for all Georgians regardless of race, geography, or background, advocating for family-friendly policies and economic opportunities across urban and rural areas. Jackson previously ran unsuccessfully for lieutenant governor in 2022 and believes his campaign experience positions him well for the gubernatorial race. The seat is open due to term limits preventing Republican Gov. Brian Kemp from running again, while prominent Democrat Stacey Abrams remains undecided about entering the contest. Jackson’s campaign message underscores unity and a focus on winning the general election rather than just the primary, appealing broadly across the state’s diverse electorate.