Georgia's race for governor is expected to formally kick off within weeks, but the emerging contest is still shrouded in mystery.
Republican Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and Democratic House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams are all but guaranteed to enter the 2018 race, likely after the legislative session ends. They’ve lined up supporters, pitched to donors and signed up campaign staffers, and both seem to be the prospective front-runners in their primaries.
Secretary of State Brian Kemp signaled he would run, too, notifying supporters this week that he was in the race. Twice elected to statewide office, the Athens Republican has dropped hints for months that he would run as a business-minded conservative.
But Donald Trump's victory, and the surge of Democratic energy that's greeted his presidency, has shaken up the rest of the field to succeed a term-limited Gov. Nathan Deal.
Will an outsider businessman with no political experience emerge on the GOP side? Will Democrat Jason Carter reprise his 2014 challenge? And will other high-profile names — Sally Yates, David Ralston — join the race?
Those questions will be answered. And soon.
About the Author
