Georgia Democrats Barnes and Young Endorse Thurmond for Governor

Endorsements come ahead of crucial May primary election

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:03pm

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Former Georgia Governor Roy Barnes and civil rights leader Andrew Young have endorsed Michael Thurmond's campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor. Thurmond is competing against several other candidates, including former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, in the May 19 primary election.

Why it matters

The endorsements from two of Georgia's most prominent Democratic figures could provide a significant boost to Thurmond's campaign as he seeks to gain traction against the front-runner, Keisha Lance Bottoms. The Democratic primary is seen as a crucial step towards the general election for the governorship.

The details

Thurmond, the former DeKalb County chief executive, is running against former Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan and former state Senator Jason Esteves for the Democratic nomination. The endorsements from Barnes, a former governor, and Young, a former Atlanta mayor and civil rights icon, are seen as a major show of support for Thurmond's campaign ahead of the pivotal May 19 primary.

  • The endorsements were announced on March 27, 2026.
  • The Democratic primary election in Georgia is scheduled for May 19, 2026.

The players

Michael Thurmond

Democratic candidate for governor of Georgia and former DeKalb County chief executive.

Roy Barnes

Former Democratic governor of Georgia.

Andrew Young

Civil rights leader and former Democratic mayor of Atlanta.

Keisha Lance Bottoms

Former Democratic mayor of Atlanta and front-runner in the Georgia gubernatorial primary.

Geoff Duncan

Former Democratic lieutenant governor of Georgia and candidate in the gubernatorial primary.

Jason Esteves

Former Democratic state senator and candidate in the gubernatorial primary.

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What’s next

The Democratic primary election in Georgia is scheduled for May 19, 2026, where Thurmond will face off against Bottoms, Duncan, and Esteves.

The takeaway

The endorsements of Thurmond by prominent Georgia Democrats Barnes and Young could provide a significant advantage for his campaign as he seeks to gain ground against front-runner Keisha Lance Bottoms in the crucial May primary election.