Georgia’s 2026 House Races Emerge with Open Seats and Primary Challenges

Georgia voters will elect 14 members to the U.S. House of Representatives on November 3, 2026, in a midterm cycle that could influence Republican control of the chamber. The state currently has nine Republican and five Democratic representatives, a balance that has held since redistricting in 2022 favored GOP incumbents. With primaries set for May 19, 2026, and runoffs on June 16, 2026, if needed, the races are shaping up early, driven by two open seats due to incumbents seeking higher office and internal Democratic challenges in one district. Recent announcements highlight opportunities for America First conservatives to strengthen their hold amid national priorities like border security and economic growth.
The delegation’s composition reflects Georgia’s political divide, with Republican strongholds in rural and suburban areas and Democratic bases in urban centers like Atlanta. All incumbents are expected to seek re-election unless otherwise noted, but fundraising reports from June 30, 2025, show varying levels of preparation. Republicans aim to defend their majority while targeting vulnerable Democratic seats, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and opposition to federal overreach.
District 1, covering southeast Georgia including Savannah, the seat is open after Republican Buddy Carter announced on May 8, 2025, his bid for the U.S. Senate. Carter, re-elected in 2024 with 62% of the vote, leaves a solidly Republican district rated R+9. Republican candidates include former state legislator Jim Kingston, who raised nearly $870,000 by June 30, 2025; businessman Pat Farrell with $276,000; and former gubernatorial candidate Kandiss Taylor with $8,000. On the Democratic side, candidates are Michael McCord, Defonsio Daniels, and Joseph Palimeno. The primary could test conservative alignments, with Kingston positioning as a pro-business voice.
District 2, in southwest Georgia including parts of Columbus, features Democratic incumbent Sanford Bishop, who won in 2024 with 56.3%. Bishop faces a potential challenge from Democrat Danny Glover, announced earlier in 2025. The district, rated D+3, remains a Republican target due to its rural demographics and Bishop’s long tenure since 1993.
District 3, spanning central-west Georgia with southwestern Atlanta suburbs, is held by Republican Brian Jack, elected in 2024 with 66.3% after the seat opened due to Drew Ferguson’s retirement. Democrat Maura Keller announced her candidacy in 2025, having run against Jack in 2024 and received about one-third of the vote. Keller, a veteran, emphasizes public service over partisanship. The R+15 district favors Republicans, but Keller’s repeat bid could energize Democratic turnout.
District 10, encompassing east-central Georgia including Athens, Republican Mike Collins announced on July 28, 2025, his run for the U.S. Senate, opening the seat he won in 2024 with 63.1%. Democrat Lexy Doherty has declared her candidacy. The R+14 district presents a strong opportunity for Republicans to hold, with potential candidates likely to emphasize America First policies.
District 13, in southwest Atlanta suburbs, sees Democratic incumbent David Scott, re-elected in 2024 with 71.8%, facing a crowded primary. Challengers include state Rep. Jasmine Clark, who announced on June 2, 2025; state Sen. Emanuel Jones; school board member Everton Blair, who raised over $227,000 by June 30, 2025; Jonathan Bonner; Ron McKenzie; and Carlos Moore. Scott, 80, has faced questions about his health and leadership after being removed as ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee in 2024. The D+28 district is safe for Democrats, but the primary reflects generational tensions.
Other districts show limited activity so far. In District 5 (central Atlanta, D+32), incumbent Democrat Nikema Williams faces a primary challenge from Andres Castro. District 8 (south-central Georgia, R+16) has Democrat Jimmy Cooper challenging Republican Austin Scott. District 9 (northeast Georgia, R+22) sees Democrat Nick Alex against Republican Andrew Clyde. District 14 (northwest Georgia, R+22) has Democrats Clarence Blalock and Shawn Harris challenging Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene. District 12 (east-central Georgia, R+8) features Republican Tori Branum challenging incumbent Rick Allen in the primary.
The remaining districts—4 (Democrat Hank Johnson), 6 (Democrat Lucy McBath), 7 (Republican Rich McCormick), and 11 (Republican Barry Loudermilk)—have no announced challengers as of August 23, 2025, though incumbents are fundraising actively. Overall, Republicans hold advantages in open seats, with fundraising edges in key races underscoring their focus on maintaining the majority amid a favorable national environment for conservatives.As filing deadlines approach in March 2026, the races could evolve, particularly in competitive areas like Districts 2, 6, and 7, where economic and immigration issues resonate with voters. Georgia’s role as a battleground state adds national significance to these contests.