Georgia Early Vote Tops 2.5 Million as Jackson and Bottoms Race Stays Tied
Historic turnout surpasses 2022 records, while incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff leads Rep. Mike Collins in the state's contested Senate race.
By Ryan Davidson ·
Georgia election officials have tallied more than 2.5 million ballots cast during the state's early voting period. This figure exceeds the record set during the 2022 midterm elections and establishes a high baseline for the final days of the 2026 campaign.
The surge in participation has energized Democratic efforts across the state. Turnout has been particularly strong in urban centers and the northern and southern suburbs of metro Atlanta. These suburban areas are critical because they contain roughly 10 competitive legislative districts. Control of these districts could determine whether Democrats win the Georgia House of Representatives for the first time in over 20 years.
The governor's race between Republican Rick Jackson and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms remains effectively tied. Jackson, a healthcare staffing executive, has spent large portions of his personal wealth to fund the campaign. He has broken previous self-funding records for a Georgia gubernatorial candidate. His strategy involves appealing to President Donald Trump's base while distancing himself from the administration to attract independent voters. Trump visited Georgia twice in recent weeks, stopping in Dalton and Perry.
Bottoms, the former mayor of Atlanta, took a different financial approach. Her campaign held back advertising resources until early voting began. She also expanded her campaign into deep-red areas of northwest Georgia. Her platform focuses on preserving rural hospitals, a key issue for voters outside the major metropolitan areas.
In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Democrat Jon Ossoff holds a large lead over Republican challenger Mike Collins. Collins has centered his campaign on President Trump's core supporters. Ossoff has run a coordinated campaign with Bottoms and former President Barack Obama. Strategists are watching the margin of Ossoff's lead. A wide victory could benefit other Democratic candidates running for lieutenant governor, attorney general, and secretary of state.
The potential shift in the state legislature has raised questions about the timing of the new session. If Democrats gain control of the state House, speculation has grown about whether Governor Brian Kemp will call a special session before the new lawmakers take office in January. Party leaders on both sides are preparing for a final push on Election Day.
Georgia Democratic Party Chair Charlie Bailey described the party's position as cautiously optimistic due to the high suburban turnout. Republican Party Chair Josh McCown stated that the outcome depends on Election Day participation. His party is focused on motivating conservative voters to vote on Tuesday. U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, who is not running in 2026, said he plans to seek reelection in 2028. He noted that the high early vote numbers show voter determination rather than a lack of systemic obstacles.
U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, who is up for reelection in 2028, confirmed plans to seek another term in the Senate while continuing to push for the passage of the federal John Lewis Voting Rights Act.
