Former Democrat lawmaker and DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond announced that he will run for Governor in Georgia’s 2026 election.
In his announcement, Thurmond said he believed he could bridge racial and political divides and that he was running “to fight for working families, protect and expand access to healthcare, and build an education system that creates multiple pathways to success.”
In an era where hyper-partisan politics are shaped more by Washington than Atlanta, Thurmond says he wants to move past political divides and build a more moderate message.
“I’ve been a lifelong Democrat, and I’m a loyal Democrat and I will die a Democrat. So it’s not about partisan politics, it’s about solving problems. I will never put my party affiliation before what’s in the best interest of the state of Georgia,” he said.
With more than 40 years of service in state government, Thurmond was elected to the Georgia Legislature in 1986 and then became one of only three Black people to win statewide office when he became labor commissioner in 1998. He served three terms in that position and then two terms as the elected CEO of DeKalb County as well as appointed positions.
Thurmond also served as interim superintendent of DeKalb County schools and is credited with financial successes for the school district and the county.
At age 72, Thurmond has a long track record of success in a state where Democrat leadership has struggled, however some younger Democrats believe it is time for the party to rebrand and hand-off leadership to a younger generation.
Other Democrats in the race include Sen. Jason Esteves, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, state Rep. Derrick Jackson, and Atlanta pastor Olu Brown.
Lt. Governor Burt Jones and Attorney General Chris Carr are seeking the Republican nomination. Gov. Brian Kemp is term limited and cannot seek reelection.
