Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced his campaign for governor on September 17, 2025, positioning himself as a conservative Republican ready to lead the state with a focus on law, jobs, and family values. The move sets up a heated primary battle in the key battleground state, where he faces rivals backed by former President Donald Trump.
Announcement Highlights
Raffensperger made his bid official through a video released on social media and his campaign website. In the message, he stressed his commitment to conservative principles and his track record of standing firm under pressure.
He described himself as a successful entrepreneur with a business plan to make Georgia more affordable and create jobs. The announcement came just days after recent polls showed growing interest in the 2026 race, with voters concerned about economic issues like inflation and housing costs.
Supporters gathered at a small event in Atlanta to cheer the news, where Raffensperger spoke about his vision for the future. He promised to tackle challenges head on, drawing from his experience in state government.
Background on Raffensperger
Raffensperger gained national attention in 2020 when he refused requests from then President Donald Trump to alter election results in Georgia. This stance made him a target for some Republicans but earned praise from others who value election integrity.
As secretary of state since 2019, he has overseen multiple elections and pushed for reforms to strengthen voting systems. His office recently reported that Georgia’s voter rolls are cleaner than ever, with over 100,000 inactive names removed in 2025 alone.
Before entering politics, Raffensperger built a career in engineering and business, which he says gives him unique insights into economic growth. He won reelection in 2022 despite challenges from Trump backed candidates.
This history could help him appeal to moderate voters, but it might alienate the party’s far right base. Recent surveys from groups like the University of Georgia show that about 40 percent of Republicans still view him skeptically due to the 2020 events.
Key Campaign Promises
Raffensperger outlined a bold conservative agenda aimed at families and businesses. He vowed to expand parental rights in education and protect children from certain medical procedures.
His platform includes measures to boost job creation through tax incentives and infrastructure investments. He also plans to address affordability by tackling rising costs in housing and energy.
Here are some core elements of his proposed agenda:
- Increase school choice options for parents.
- Ban gender affirming surgeries for minors.
- Cut regulations to help small businesses grow.
- Strengthen border security and support law enforcement.
These points align with broader Republican priorities seen in recent state laws, such as those passed in Florida and Texas.
To illustrate his economic focus, consider this comparison of Georgia’s job growth under current leadership:
| Year | Jobs Added | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 150,000 | 3.2% |
| 2024 | 120,000 | 3.5% |
| 2025 (projected) | 140,000 | 3.0% |
Raffensperger claims his plan could push these numbers even higher by attracting more industries like tech and manufacturing.
The Republican Primary Field
The 2026 governor race is shaping up to be competitive on the GOP side. Raffensperger joins Attorney General Chris Carr and Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones in the contest to succeed term limited Governor Brian Kemp.
Jones received Trump’s endorsement last month, which could give him an edge with the party’s base. Carr, known for his legal battles against federal policies, appeals to voters focused on states rights.
Analysts predict a crowded primary that might split votes and lead to a runoff. Recent fundraising reports show Jones leading with over 5 million dollars raised, while Raffensperger starts with about 2 million from his previous campaigns.
Reactions from Democrats
Democrats quickly seized on the announcement to highlight divisions within the Republican Party. A spokesperson for the Democratic Governors Association called the primary a messy fight that could weaken the eventual nominee.
They pointed to past internal conflicts, like the 2022 races where Trump endorsements did not always lead to victory. This chaos, they argue, benefits Democratic hopefuls who can focus on unity and issues like healthcare access.
Stacey Abrams, a prominent Georgia Democrat, has not yet announced her plans but remains a strong potential candidate. Polls from early 2025 suggest the general election could be close, with independents playing a key role.
Challenges Ahead
Raffensperger faces hurdles in winning over Trump’s loyal supporters, despite a recent meeting at the White House on election security. That discussion in summer 2025 showed some thawing in relations, but deep divisions remain.
He must also navigate Georgia’s changing demographics, with growing urban and suburban populations that lean moderate. Economic pressures, including a national inflation rate hovering at 2.5 percent in mid 2025, will test his business focused message.
Experts note that successful governors in battleground states often balance conservative ideals with broad appeal. Raffensperger’s team plans a statewide tour starting next month to build momentum.
What do you think about Raffensperger’s chances in this race? Share your thoughts in the comments below and pass this article along to friends interested in Georgia politics.
