Photos: Georgia's Democratic and Republican contenders

Politics

Photos: Georgia's Democratic and Republican contenders

With a U.S. Senate race coming up in 2016 and an open race for Governor in 2018, here's a look at possible Georgia candidates for higher office.

The Republicans. Jim Butterworth: The head of Georgia’s Emergency Management Administration, is a former Georgia National Guard leader and Republican state senator who may throw his hat into the ring for a 2018 race.

Casey Cagle - The Republican Lt. Gov. may look to shed "lieutenant" from his title and continue Gaineville's hold on Georgia's top job.

Tim Echols: Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols is seen as a rising star in GOP circles and could one day run for higher office.

Tom Graves: First elected to Congress from the state House in 2010, the Republican from Ranger passed on a U.S. Senate run in 2014 but has mentioned statewide ambitions at some point.

Brian Kemp: The Republican Secretary of State from Athens has been mentioned as a candidate in the 2018 governor’s race.

Jack Kingston: The Savannah Republican lost a runoff to David Perdue in 2014. He's an Johnny Isakson ally, who's presenting himself as a backup plan in case Isakson unexpectedly decides not to run. Kingston recently took an advisory job with Washington lobbying giant Squire Patton Boggs, but he’s also appeared at a range of rallies and GOP meetings of late.

Sam Olens: The current Georgia Attorney General and Cobb County Republican could figure in the 2018 race to occupy the governor's mansion.

U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland: The former Republican Leader in the Georgia House was elected to congress in 2004. He's been mentioned as a potential candidate in the 2018 governor’s race.

The DemocratsStacey Abrams: The House Minority Leader, who was named 2014 Public Official of the Year by Governing magazine, could seek an attorney general seat or run for governor in 2018.

John Barrow: The former Democratic U.S. Rep. from Augusta beat back several Republican attempts for his seat until finally losing in 2014. Barrow has been laying low since his loss.

Jason Carter: The Democratic nominee for governor in 2014, has not ruled out another run in 2018.

Cathy Cox: The former Democratic Secretary of State has repeatedly said she won't seek office again.

Shirley Franklin: The former Atlanta Mayor has so far resisted entreaties to put her hat in the ring to challenge Johnny Isakson.

Scott Holcomb: The Democratic state Rep. is an Atlanta lawyer and military veteran.

Jim Marshall (right): The former U.S. Rep. is a conservative Democrat from Macon and has been mentioned as a possible U.S. Senate candidate.

Michelle Nunn: The Democratic nonprofit executive, ran unsuccessfully for Senate in 2014 and could one day run again.

Elena Parent: The Democratic state senator from Atlanta could be a candidate for Lt. Gov.

Kasim Reed: The Democratic Atlanta mayor, who has good relationship with Gov. Nathan Deal, has vowed to serve out his term through 2017.

Valarie Wilson: The Democratic ex-Decatur school board member lost the 2014 state superintendent’s race.

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With a U.S. Senate race coming up in 2016 and an open race for Governor in 2018, here's a look at possible Georgia candidates for higher office.

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