Politics

Two major announcements shake up the race for governor in Georgia

The Politically Georgia team discusses 2026 election cycle with Raffensperger and Duncan in the mix.
Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (seen here at a Georgia Chamber Congressional Luncheon in August), announced he'd be running for governor, Wednesday Sept. 17, 2025. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)
Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (seen here at a Georgia Chamber Congressional Luncheon in August), announced he'd be running for governor, Wednesday Sept. 17, 2025. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)
Sept 18, 2025

For the second time this week, a candidate announced they were running for governor.

Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced his candidacy for Georgia’s top job on Wednesday.

His announcement came a day after former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, a former Republican turned Democrat, said he’s running for the position.

Atlanta Journal-Constitution senior political reporter Greg Bluestein discussed on Thursday’s episode of the “Politically Georgia” podcast how the two men change the calculus of the 2026 midterms.

Later in the show, AJC political columnist Patricia Murphy talks to immigration lawyer Chuck Kuck about the immigration raid at the site of the Hyundai Metaplant, where more than 300 Korean nationals were arrested.

Have a question or comment for the show? Call or text the 24-hour “Politically Georgia” podcast hotline at 770-810-5297. We’ll play back your question and answer it during our next Monday Mailbag segment. You can also email your questions to PoliticallyGeorgia@ajc.com.

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About the Author

Natalie Mendenhall is an award-winning producer for the "Politically Georgia" podcast. She also steps in front of the mic, creating compelling segments for the show. Before joining the AJC, the Chicago native worked as a senior producer at Georgia Public Broadcasting.

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