Abrams Decides Against 2026 Gubernatorial Run in Georgia
Stacey Abrams, a prominent Democratic figure and two-time candidate for governor in Georgia, has announced she will not run for the governor’s office again in 2026. Instead, she’s set on addressing what she describes as a troubling shift toward authoritarianism in the U.S. under President Trump.
“Americans are hurting, but we are ready to act,” Abrams stated in a message to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I believe the most impactful step I can take now is to continue this essential work. Therefore, I don’t plan to pursue an elected office in 2026.”
Having previously served as a Democratic leader in the Georgia General Assembly, Abrams gained national recognition during the 2018 election, where she narrowly lost to incumbent Republican Brian Kemp. In their 2022 rematch, she was defeated again, this time by nearly eight points.
Although there were discussions about her potentially running for a third consecutive time to unseat Kemp, who is term-limited, Abrams ultimately chose to focus elsewhere. It’s noteworthy that after her initial 2018 campaign, she gained significant traction among Democrats for contesting her narrow loss, becoming a key figure targeted by Republicans.
Following her defeats, she founded Fair Fight, a political group aimed at ensuring fair voting practices. She played a significant role in helping President Biden win Georgia in 2020, as well as in the Democratic victories during the Senate runoff elections in January 2021.
Despite raising over $110 million for her 2022 campaign against Kemp, the outcome was disappointing. In recent years, however, the organization she built has struggled, notably with the disbandment of the New Georgia Project last year after incurring a hefty fine related to her earlier campaign efforts.
While Abrams mulled a potential run, other Democratic contenders have stepped into the race. Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who served in the Biden administration, is viewed as a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination. Former Lieutenant Governor Jeff Duncan, having transitioned to a moderate Democrat after his term, is also vying for this nomination, alongside other notable names.
On the Republican side, Lieutenant Governor Bert Jones has garnered support from Trump, competing against figures like Attorney General Chris Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.
Abrams reiterated her commitment to fighting for democracy, stating, “The antidote to authoritarianism is democracy, and it requires active participation from all of us. When government fails, we all suffer.” She aims to remain engaged in this crucial battle, reaffirming her dedication to protecting democratic values.
