Georgia Democrats Debate Ahead of Gubernatorial Primary

WJBF to host live event with top contenders Bottoms, Duncan, and Thurmond

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:56am

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A serene, photorealistic painting of the Georgia state capitol building, with warm sunlight casting dramatic shadows across the facade and surrounding landscape, conveying a sense of political contemplation and civic engagement.The upcoming Georgia Democratic gubernatorial debate will provide voters with a chance to directly compare the policy platforms and visions of the leading candidates.Augusta Today

Residents of Augusta will soon have the chance to evaluate the positions of top Democratic contenders for Georgia's governorship on pivotal statewide matters. NewsChannel 6 is set to broadcast and stream the Democratic gubernatorial debate live from Atlanta on April 15th, featuring former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, ex-Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, and DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond.

Why it matters

The Georgia gubernatorial race is a key battleground, and this debate will provide voters with a chance to directly compare the policy platforms and visions of the leading Democratic candidates before the primary election.

The details

The hour-long debate will be moderated by anchors Zach Merchant and Faith Jessie from Georgia Vote 11Alive Atlanta, who have extensive experience covering state politics and public affairs. Recent polling by Emerson College shows a distinct hierarchy emerging among the three candidates participating.

  • The Democratic gubernatorial debate will be held live on April 15, 2026.

The players

Keisha Lance Bottoms

Former Mayor of Atlanta.

Geoff Duncan

Former Lieutenant Governor of Georgia.

Michael Thurmond

CEO of DeKalb County.

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What’s next

Voters in the Democratic primary will have the opportunity to evaluate the candidates' positions and make their selection on election day.

The takeaway

This debate will be a crucial event for Georgia voters to directly compare the policy platforms and visions of the leading Democratic candidates for governor before the primary election.