Democrats Derrick Jackson, David Jolly Launch 2026 Governorship Bids Georgia, Florida

Democrats are gearing up for the 2026 gubernatorial races in key Southern states Florida and Georgia, aiming to challenge the longstanding Republican hold on these offices. In Florida, former Republican Congressman David Jolly, now a Democrat, announced his candidacy, citing the state's affordability crisis, insurance issues, and neglected public education as central campaign themes, while emphasizing the need to build a coalition beyond traditional Democratic voters. In Georgia, State Rep. Derrick Jackson entered a crowded Democratic primary to replace term-limited Republican Governor Brian Kemp, focusing on expanding access to healthcare, economic opportunities in rural areas, stricter gun laws, and repealing restrictive abortion laws. Jackson, a Navy veteran and former marketing executive, seeks to differentiate himself from previous candidates like Stacey Abrams by promising consistent, daily commitment to Georgia families rather than periodic political appearances. Other notable Democratic candidates in Georgia include former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, state Sen. Jason Esteves, and pastor Olu Brown, all competing to break decades of Republican gubernatorial control. On the Republican side, Georgia's field is less defined, with only Attorney General Chris Carr officially announced and speculation about other potential candidates including Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.