ATLANTA (WJBF) — The political temperature in Georgia is rising with just over a year to go before voters head to the polls to elect a new U.S. Senator and Governor.

Republicans are zeroing in on Georgia as one of several key battleground states with a Democratic incumbent — hoping to flip the seat and reclaim momentum in next year’s midterm elections.

Candidates will officially qualify for both the gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races in April 2026. The primary elections will be held in May, with potential runoffs in July. Voters will make their final decisions in the general election on Nov. 3, 2026.

Several GOP contenders — including U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, former football coach Derek Dooley, and horse trainer Reagen Box — are looking to unseat Democratic Senat

See Full Page