On the Democratic Side: A Look Ahead to 2026 Statewide Races for Governor, Lt. Governor

It's never too early to talk about the 2026 gubernatorial races which are pivotal for the Democrats here in Georgia. Some names to keep in mind or potential names to succeed term limited Republican Governor Brian Kemp

Governor

Former Dekalb County CEO Michael Thurmond

Thurmond, aged 72, recently completed two successful terms as CEO of Georgia's largest county. He previously served as Georgia's Labor Commissioner from 1998 to 2010 and was elected to the Georgia State House in 1986, representing Athens-Clarke County as the first black candidate elected there since Reconstruction. He also led the of Family and Children's Services and directed Georgia's transition welfare to. Thurmond is known as a centrist, capable of building coalitions across political spectrums. The only question is whether will be able to appeal to a younger, diverse Democratic base since his last run in 2010. He is as bridge from the old guard Democrats of Murphy to the new guard Democrats of Stacey Abrams.

Jason Carter 

Carter, who last ran governor in 2014, is seen as a potential candidate the position. Carter, 49 years old, is the grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, who died last week at the age of 100. Currently, he is the chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Carter Center It has been ten years since Carter last ran for statewide. If there is better time for Carter to return to politics, 2026 would be the year.

Lester Miller 

Miller, an attorney and small businessman, is his second term as mayor of Macon-Bibb County, a non-partisan seat. Miller's leadership, Macon-Bibb County has seen its property taxes cut in half, an increase in public safety, the removal of eyesores across city, and improved economic development. an eye on Miller for 2026.

Michael Russell 

If I had to name a dark horse candidate, Michael Russell would be. The highly successful CEO of HJ & Company would be an unconventional candidate if he were to. Although his political affiliation is, would be an intriguing prospect for governor. He also serves on the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta Board of Directors. His pro-business credentials would be a welcome change to a party that is seen as unfair to the business community.

LT. GOVERNOR:

Jonathan McCollar

McCollar is entering his second and final term as mayor Statesboro, located in east central Georgia. Under his leadership, Statesboro has experienced in economic development, and he has made historic investments in public safety, a 70% reduction in crime over five. Additionally, poverty has decreased 30%. McCollar was also appointed of the National League Cities Universities Communities Council. He brings a Georgia perspective and represents the next of new Democratic leaders in Georgia.

Teresa Tomlinson  

Tomlinson last ran for the U.S. Senate seat the Democratic primary, coming up short against now Senator Jon Ossoff. However, Tomlinson is still regarded as a statewide contender for positions such as Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, etc. She previously served as Mayor of Columbus is now a partner with Hall, Booth and Smith. 2026 might be the year Tomlinson decides to make run for a statewide seat, or she could position herself as Sanford Bishop's replacement if and when decides to as the 2nd Congressional District Representative.

Michael Angelo James 

James is current mayor of Waycross. He is also a pastor and a professor at Coastal Pines Technical College. rural Georgia becoming more of a priority for State Democrats in the aftermath of the November elections, politicians like James would help rebuild rather thin Democratic bench. His strong connections in the church would appeal to social black conservatives and evangelicals as well.

James Lester "Jim" Gillis IV 

Gillis, IV is an Investment Advisor who hails from Athens. A native of Soperton, Ga, Jim Gillis IV certainly has an impressive lineage! His family has indeed played a significant role in Georgia's political landscape going back over 100 years. Jim L. Gillis Jr., his grandfather, was a notable figure who served as Co-Manager for Lyndon Johnson's 1964 campaign for Governor of Georgia. His brother, Hugh Gillis, was a longtime State Senator, Jim Gillis, Sr was the longtime Highway Commissioner and helped create present day Interstate I-16.  And Neil Gillis, the founder of present-day Treutlen County, was a prominent banker and politician. Quite the legacy!

Bryan Miller 

Miller, a former executive for the Zell Miller Foundation and the grandson of former Governor and U.S. Senator Zell Miller entered the race for Lt. Governor back in 2022 before dropping out early in the primary. Miller platform included preserving the Hope Scholarship that has made an impact on the lives of many Georgians graduating High School. He currently runs Brasstown Strategies, located in Atlanta.

A look at the races for Attorney General, Secretary of State coming Thursday

Georgia Dems, Carter, Nunn, Barrow and the Future

Despite all of the hope and enthusiasm from Georgia Democrats, Tuesday night was a reminder that more work needs to be done in order to be competitive again here in the Peach State.

The biggest problem facing Democrats here in Georgia is their inability to attract white voters and having a message that can appeal to moderates and conservative democrats....plain & simple! Forget Independent Voters because there are no such thing as a TRUE independent voter....most lean either to the democrats or republicans.

Nunn and Carter got under 25% of the white vote, which is not enough to be competitive statewide int he near future. On the bright side, they got close to 30% of the black vote, so despite all the talk about black voters not turning out, they did this year despite voter turnout being at a record low across the country during Tuesday's election.

For all the talk about demographic changes and registering more minority voters they need to do a better job at attracting those who are already registered to vote, black and white. Too much they rely on urban and suburban areas of Atlanta, Lilburn, Albany for their votes and very little on rural, mid-sized areas of Fitzgerald, Swainsboro, Douglas, thus leaving huge swaths of the state to the GOP.

Look at the state legislature, democrats have done a poor job at candidate recruitment on the house and senate side and that starts with the leadership in both chambers. That needs to change and change soon and that starts with electing new leadership who knows that leaving 80% of the republican legislature unchallenged is not good for the state, nor the party. Now is the time for Rep. Scott Holcomb, yes I'm talking to you, to run for minority leader and to locate potential democratic candidates to add to a democratic house caucus that's (with the exception of a dozen legislators) made up of 'Dead Weight" or "Seat Warmers".

Michelle Nunn ran a good race, but she ran the type of race that made National Democrats proud, but on the flip side, this is still the south and this is still Georgia and she didn't put enough emphasis on Georgia and too much on National Issues. Even Rep. Jack Kingston said she didn't exert enough independence from the National Democrats and looking back on it, he's right! That Ferguson mailer did have a negative impact on both Nunn and Carter thus their white support fell below 25%.

DuBose Porter should run for the 12th Congressional District in '16, if he decides to bypass a full four year term as head of the Georgia Democratic Party. Porter came in under tough circumstances to rebuild the state party that hit rock bottom and now is a viable and fully functioning party. And there's always 2018 in which Porter will be in his 60s.

I for one do not see Nunn running for political office again. That's the feeling I get, but who knows.

Jason Carter also ran a good race, but you have to give the Deal Campaign credit for highlighting his experience, which I think hurt Carter towards the end. Why Carter didn't run on expanding medicaid is a question only he can answer. That was a winning issue, but he made very little mention of it. Everyone assumes he will the front runner for governor in 2018, but you better look out for Kasim Reed and possibly John Barrow.

And speaking of Barrow who I call the smartest politician in the entire state, I didn't expect to see him go down to Rick Allen who ran on absolutely nothing, except tying Barrow to Obama, just like Austin Scott who also ran on nothing when he defeated Jim Marshall in 2010 by tying him to Nancy Pelosi.

Barrow is the wildcard here because he has options. He gets to sit back and re-charge his batteries for another "likely" run for office...either for the U.S. Senate in 2016 or for a statewide office in 2018. And it's a longshot, but Barrow could be on a list of possible VP contenders for Hillary Clinton.

Another is Kasim Reed. You know and I know he's going to begin to lay the groundwork for a potential 2018 race. And look over to Columbus, Ga where Teresa Tomlinson (D) will be someone who may look to move up the political ladder if she has a successful second term as mayor of Columbus.

Baker, Tomlinson Seen as Favorites for Mayor of Columbus on Nov. 2

A race that's has been off my radar a bit & that is the Columbus Mayoral Race which will take place on November 2 as residents of Columbus seek a repalcement for outgoing mayor Jim Wetherington.

The candidates are: Zeph Baker, Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Paul Olsen & Wayne Anthony

Baker who challenged State Rep Calvin Smyre as a indepdnent back in 2008 is looking to become the first African-American mayor in the city's history. He is a graduate of Carver High School & 1999, Zeph received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Columbus State University. A widower, Zeph is a proud and devoted father of three children. Led by his passion for children, and respect for education, Zeph founded two education centers, where he currently serves as Director.

Tomlinson is native Georgian, moved to Columbus in 1994 from Atlanta and married Trip Tomlinson, who was raised in Columbus graduating from Hardaway High School. Since the year 2000, Teresa has been a member of Columbus' Metropolitan Planning Organization's Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC), which studies issues of regional growth and provides citizen input on important state and municipal transportation decisions. She serve two years as the CAC's Chair and as its representative on the Planning Organization's Technical Committee and Policy Committee.

Anthony is was born in Columbus and raised on a poultry and livestock farm. He attended Midland Elementary, Arnold Junior High and Jordan High where he was Student Body President for his school and the entire Bi-City. His education includes a B.A. from Asbury College, a Masters of Divinity from Emory University, and an M.B.A. from the University of Georgia. Plus, he is a Professional Financial Planner as a graduate of the College of Financial Planning in Denver and he is the recipient of the Certificate of Recognition from the Georgia Municipal Training Institute.

Wayne’s corporate management experience is extensive. He managed a KFC while working on his M.B.A. His fast food restaurant went from losing money to a profitable, award-winning operation. He was then promoted to corporate RJR Nabisco/KFC in Atlanta where he was responsible for multiple restaurants, annual revenues of $10 million and over 250 employees. For eighteen years, Wayne served as Director of the Business Resource Center, providing financial counseling and management training to more than 150 organizations.

Olsen calls himself the "Real" conservative in the race. Paul came to Columbus via Ft. Benning in 1978 and purchased his first home here in 1980. Paul is originally from Iowa, where he came from a large farming family of seven children. After graduating from Ft. Dodge Senior High School in 1969, he volunteered to serve his country in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division. He is a decorated Vietnam Veteran earning the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Ribbon, plus numerous other Medals.

He served his country honorably for 37 years collectively on Active and Reserve duty retiring at the rank of Major. He was also awarded the Meritorious Medal, Parachutist Badge among numerous other Medals and Awards. During those years he served in many numerous leadership roles gaining experience and knowledge as a Company and Field Command Staff Officer and Battalion Commander. He will enhance our city's rapport with the expansion of the Armor School.


This race will most likely go to a runoff, with Baker & either Tomlinson or Anthony in the runoff. Olson looks like a impressive candidate, but it will come down to who can capture the African-American vote in this race.




The Darkhorse in this race is Wayne Anthony. Wayne has a proven record (40 YRS) of serving the community and leading organizations that transform individuals, families, neighborhoods and cities such as:

-Founder and President, House of Heroes
-Past President, Leadership Morality Institute
-President, Columbus Mental Health Network
-Leader, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
-Past President, SHRM Columbus
-Past President, SHRM Georgia
-Minister, Asbury United Methodist Church
-Past President, Columbus High PTA
-Past President, Arnold Middle School PTA
-Student Body President, Asbury College
-Student Body President, Jordan High School

Anthony is the one to keep an eye on in this race. My many accounts, Tomlinson is the leader in the race, while Baker is right on her heels. Anthony is a minister at Asbury United Methodist Chruch, which is locate near the southside of columbus, which will give him a advantage at picking off a chunk of the AA vote away from Baker. Stay tunes for more on this race.

Tomlinson Raises more than $111,000 for her bid to become Columbus Next Mayor

Teresa Tomlinson outraises the other three opponents in a bid to become the next mayor of Columbus.

Continue to read: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2010/04/02/1072820/columbus-mayors-race-tomlinson.html

Here is a little more about Teresa Tomlinson:

Teresa, a native Georgian, moved to Columbus in 1994 from Atlanta and married Trip Tomlinson, who was raised in Columbus graduating from Hardaway High School. Since the year 2000, Teresa has been a member of Columbus' Metropolitan Planning Organization's Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC), which studies issues of regional growth and provides citizen input on important state and municipal transportation decisions. She serve two years as the CAC's Chair and as its representative on the Planning Organization's Technical Committee and Policy Committee.



She is active in the community having served as Chairperson on the Strategic Communications Task Force for the Regional Growth Management Plan related to BRAC growth, and having served as a member of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce Board (Ex Officio); as Mayor Wetherington's appointee to the Columbus Conventions and Visitors Bureau Board; on the Board of Trustees for the RiverCenter; on the Board of Directors of Columbus Regional Medical Center Foundation; as Mayor Poydasheff's appointee to the Columbus South Revitalization Task Force; and many others.

For 16 years, Teresa practiced law with the firm of Pope, McGlamry, Kilpatrick, Morrison and Norwood, LLP where she became an equity partner in 1998. She specialized in complex litigation handling cases involving the 1996 crash of a ValuJet airliner in the Florida everglades; United States Senate hearings on home loan mortgage fraud, and the aftermath of the billion dollar accounting fraud at HealthSouth Corporation. She has also defended the parent company of Popeye's and Church's Chicken, as well as Seattle Coffee Company, in federal securities actions. She has been admitted to practice in courts across the country, including the United State Supreme Court. In 2005, Teresa was selected as a Georgia Rising Star Super Lawyer, which are lawyers age 40 and under who have been identified as “outstanding lawyers who have demonstrated superior professional potential”. In 2006, she became a board member, and currently serves as Vice Chair of Justice Served, Inc. a non-profit organization affiliated with the Georgia Court of Appeals, which promotes through education the importance of the judicial system.

For more go to her website: www.teresatomlinson.com

Some of her biggest issues include: Public Safety, Economic Development, Community Buliding.