Top Georgia Gubernatorial Candidates Debate in Atlanta

Geoff Duncan, Jason Esteves, and Michael Thurmond participate in forum hosted by local PAC

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Several top contenders for Georgia governor, including former Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, former State Sen. Jason Esteves, and former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, gathered in southwest Atlanta on Thursday for a debate hosted by the "Georgia Men for Democracy Now" political action committee. The event comes as the race for Georgia's next governor intensifies ahead of the November election.

Why it matters

The Georgia gubernatorial race is expected to be highly competitive, with several prominent candidates vying for the state's top elected office. This debate provided an opportunity for voters to hear directly from some of the leading contenders and assess their platforms and qualifications.

The details

The debate was held at the Junction 2800 space on Campbellton Road in southwest Atlanta and was hosted by the "Georgia Men for Democracy Now" PAC. In addition to Duncan, Esteves, and Thurmond, the race also includes candidates such as Keisha Lance Bottoms, Chris Carr, and Burt Jones.

  • The debate took place on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • The general election for Georgia's next governor is scheduled for November 2026.

The players

Geoff Duncan

Former Lieutenant Governor of Georgia.

Jason Esteves

Former State Senator in Georgia.

Michael Thurmond

Former DeKalb County CEO.

Keisha Lance Bottoms

Prominent candidate in the Georgia gubernatorial race.

Chris Carr

Prominent candidate in the Georgia gubernatorial race.

Burt Jones

Prominent candidate in the Georgia gubernatorial race.

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What’s next

The general election for Georgia's next governor is scheduled for November 2026.

The takeaway

This debate provided an important opportunity for voters to hear directly from some of the leading candidates in the Georgia gubernatorial race and assess their platforms and qualifications as they prepare to make their choice in the upcoming election.