Elections Set to Take Center Stage

As Georgia begins 2026, the state is gearing up for high-stakes elections that could reshape its political landscape.

The coming year will include voting to replace term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp, with President Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms among the large field of candidates.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff is up for re-election, with the race expected to be among the closest—and most closely watched—in the nation. Republican hopefuls include U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter and Mike Collins, along with former college football coach Derek Dooley.

Special elections will also take place, including one to fill the seat of U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Rome. You can find a calendar of important dates for voters here.

  Bulldogs Lose Sugar Bowl Thriller

Georgia fell to Ole Miss 39-34 in a back-and-forth Sugar Bowl finish Thursday night in New Orleans, with the loss coming on a 47-yard field goal with six seconds left.

The defeat ended Georgia’s season at 12-2 and knocked them out of the College Football Playoff, while Ole Miss moves on to face Miami in the Fiesta Bowl.

“It was an incredible college football game,” Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart said afterward. “It was basically what the College Football Playoff is for… I give credit to Ole Miss. They made more plays than we did.”

Georgia had tied the game moments before the winning kick. Ole Miss added a final safety on the kickoff to seal the five-point win.

Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton threw for 203 yards and one touchdown and ran for two of his own.

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➤ Statewide: New state laws that took effect Thursday include tax-free catastrophe savings accounts for insurance deductibles, faster access to electronic car tags, and updated healthcare rules aimed at cutting red tape and improving rural care. (More)

➤ Statewide: Georgia flu cases were climbing as of mid-December, with doctors recommending early testing, antivirals, and vaccines. (More)

➤ Athens: University of Georgia fans presented a Tennessee fifth-grader with free Sugar Bowl tickets after the student—a Bulldogs fan—went viral for refusing to sing Rocky Top at a school concert. (More)

➤ Fulton County: Murphy’s restaurant was sold to father-son chefs Gregg and Matt McCarthy after 45 years under founder Tom Murphy’s ownership. (More)

➤ Four-star wide receiver prospect Brady Marchese plans to attend Auburn next year, becoming the second recruit to flip from Georgia to the Tigers this cycle. (More)

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How closely will you follow Georgia’s 2026 elections?

1. Very
2. Somewhat
3. Not very
4. Not at all

Yesterday’s Results:

What was the biggest Georgia story of 2025 for you?

1. Laken Riley Act: 18%
2. College football success: 17%
3. Other: 17%
4. Hyundai opening: 16%
5. Energy plan/debate: 16%
6. School vouchers: 16%

By how many votes did U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff win his Senate seat? 

Show me the answer