In six states, millions of voters headed to the polls yesterday to select candidates for governor, attorney general, treasurer, and public service commission. Legislative primaries were also held across these states.
Georgia
Governor
Georgia's open governor's race delivered one of the most closely watched primaries of the 2026 cycle on Tuesday. On the Republican side, the contest tested whether President Trump's endorsement could carry Lt. Governor Burt Jones past billionaire challenger Rick Jackson. However, after neither candidate met the state’s 50% +1 threshold – as of this publishing, Jones had secured 38% of the Republican vote while Jackson had garnered 32% – the two men will face off again in the June 16 runoff.
Rick Jackson, a billionaire health care executive, made a dramatic entrance into the gubernatorial race in February, spending $50 million of his own money on advertising. His campaign leans heavily on his foster care backstory, with priority for office being the passage of the Fostering Success Act, which would allow foster youth to attend public colleges and universities tuition-free. His policy agenda also includes using artificial intelligence to eliminate wasteful government spending, freezing property taxes and tuition at public colleges and technical schools. and cutting the state income tax in half within four years. He also supports term limits for all elected officials, strengthening Georgia's Parents' Bill of Rights, and expanding vocational pathways.
Burt Jones has served as lieutenant governor since 2023, a role in which he also serves as president of the Georgia State Senate. Prior to that, he represented Georgia's 25th Senate District for more than a decade. His campaign highlights his legislative record, including the passage of tougher sentencing laws, income tax cuts, and school choice legislation. Looking ahead, Jones is prioritizing increased funding for students and teachers, expanded school choice, greater support for local law enforcement, improved rural health care access, and additional investment in vocational and technical education.
The crowded Democratic field included former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former State Senator Jason Esteves, former DeKalb County CEO and State Labor Commissioner Mike Thurmond, State Representative Derrick Jackson, and former Republican Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan. After weeks of leading in the polls, Bottoms gets to start her general election campaign earlier than her Republican counterpart after finishing the night with approximately 56% of the vote.
Keisha Lance Bottoms brings a prominent profile to the race. Before serving as Atlanta's mayor, she was a member of the Atlanta City Council, and she later served as a senior adviser to President Biden, a role that earned her his endorsement in the governor’s race. Her platform includes lowering health care costs by expanding Medicaid, creating a Georgia Housing Fast Track initiative to streamline permitting, eliminating the state income tax for teachers, expanding training in sustainable agriculture and forestry, and investing in flood mitigation and brownfield redevelopment.
Georgia represents one of Democrats' clearest opportunities to flip a governor's seat in the 2026 midterms. The party has not held the office since 1998, but recent polling and campaign momentum suggest a path to a breakthrough. The Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball reflect this sentiment, both rating this race as a toss-up.
Attorney General
The open race for Georgia attorney general featured a four-way contest between current and former Democratic Representatives Tanya Miller and Robert (Bob) Trammell, and Republican Senators Bill Cosert and Brian Strickland. Incumbent Chris Carr declined to seek re-election, opting instead for a gubernatorial bid. At the close of voting, Miller and Strickland emerged as the candidates advancing to the general election, finishing with 84% and 72% of the vote respectively.
Tanya Miller (D) was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2023, bringing with her two decades of experience as a trial lawyer and prior service as Chief Senior District Attorney in the Fulton County District Attorney's Office. Her platform centers on reducing recidivism, expanding resources for local law enforcement, challenging unjustified rate hikes, establishing a Small Business Protection Unit, and investigating price gouging.
Brian Strickland (R) has served in the Georgia State Senate since 2018, representing District 17 before transitioning to District 42 in 2025, and spent several years as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Prior to his Senate tenure, he served four years as a state representative. His law-and-order platform includes expanding gang and drug task forces, defending election laws, enforcing the Parents' Bill of Rights, and protecting seniors and small businesses from financial scams.
This race stands out as one of the most closely watched contests on the Georgia ballot this cycle. Republicans have dominated down-ballot statewide offices, making the attorney general's seat a significant test of Democratic strength in a state that has grown increasingly competitive.
Legislature
All 56 senate seats and all 180 house seats are on the ballot this cycle. Republicans are expected to maintain control of both chambers, though significant turnover is anticipated. Eighteen (18) sitting legislators filed to run for higher office, and nine others are retiring, including House Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones (R) and House Natural Resources Chair Lynn Smith (R).
Public Service Commission
Two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission are on the ballot this cycle, with ten candidates competing across both races. The commission has grown increasingly influential in recent years, wielding significant authority over utility investments and rate decisions that affect Georgians statewide.
The District 3 race between Republicans (and former commissioner) Fitz Johnson and Brandon Martin has yet to be called. Johnson currently has a slim margin with 95% of votes tabulated. If Johnson were to meet the 50% +1 threshold, he would earn a rematch with incumbent Commissioner Peter Hubbard, who ran uncontested on the Democratic side. Hubbard previously defeated Johnson to claim the final year of Johnson's term, a victory that garnered national attention and ended a 20-year Republican winning streak in Georgia Public Service Commission elections.
The District 5 seat is open after Commissioner Tricia Pridemore announced her candidacy for Georgia's 11th Congressional District. On the Democratic side, Sheila Edwards won the primary with 56% of the vote. Republicans Josh Tolbert and Bobby Mehan will face off again the June 16 runoff.
Alabama
Governor
Incumbent Governor Kay Ivey (R) is unable to seek reelection due to term limits after serving as Alabama’s head of state since 2017. U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) easily secured the Republican Party’s nomination to replace Ivey, winning approximately 84% of the vote. Before entering politics, Tuberville was the head football coach of Auburn University, Texas Tech University, University of Mississippi, and University of Cincinnati. He also worked as a studio analyst with ESPN before running for Congress in 2020. Tuberville is a strong supporter of Trump’s agenda and was among a group of Republican senators who refused to certify the 2020 presidential election. His gubernatorial campaign platform includes attracting jobs to the state, improving education, supporting the state’s agriculture and defense industries, and addressing immigration issues.
Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D) emerged victorious among six Democratic candidates for governor. Jones served in Congress from 2018 to 2021. From 1997 to 2001, he served as U.S. Attorney, a position he was appointed to by President Bill Clinton (D). He has also worked as an attorney in private practice. He is running for governor on a platform that advocates choice for Alabamians, emphasizing possibilities such as a state lottery, early voting, and expanded Medicaid.
The Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball rate the general election as a solid Republican victory.
Attorney General
Current Attorney General Steve Marshall (R) is term limited, setting up an open seat and expensive race for the state’s top lawyer. Former Alabama Supreme Court Judge Jay Mitchell and Katherine Robertson are heading to a June 16 runoff as neither secured the Republican nomination during a primary where candidates spent over $8 million. As of this publishing, Robertson has received 40% of the vote while Mitchell sits at 34%. Both candidates positioned themselves as cultural conservatives, ran on national issues, and pledged their allegiance to President Trump throughout the primary campaign.
Robertson has served as chief counsel to Attorney General Marshall for nearly a decade. She has highlighted her work in the AG’s office as a sign of preparedness. Robertson has also focused on transgender athletes, accusing “the radical left” of “destroying girls’ sports” in a campaign ad. If elected, she plans to push back on federal overreach, protect speech and religious freedoms, and support President Trump’s agenda.
After attending the University of Virginia Law School, Jay Mitchell began his career as a court room lawyer. He was elected to the Alabama Supreme Court in 2018, where he spent nearly seven years. Mitchell highlighted that court room experience during the campaign. He has also focused on more cultural issues: In a recent campaign ad, he promises to block “anti-white nonsense” and stand up to the “woke left.” If elected, Mitchell pledges to address violent crime, public corruption, and immigration.
Former Alabama State Representative Jeffrey McLaughlin ran unopposed in the Democratic primary for Attorney General. He served in the House from 2001 to 2011 representing the 27th District. He ran for mayor of Guntersville, AL in 2025 but was defeated in a runoff election. McLaughlin’s career experience includes working as a law clerk and attorney.
State Treasurer
Incumbent State Treasurer Young Boozer won the Republican party’s nomination for reelection, defeating Steve Lolley with 68% of the vote. He was appointed to the position in 2021 by Governor Ivey and previously served as treasurer from 2011 to 2019. Boozer worked in banking and investment, also taking a position as the deputy state finance director for the State of Alabama and as the assistant superintendent of the Alabama State Banking Department. He touts several accomplishments as treasurer including restructuring Alabama’s Prepaid Affordable College Tuition (PACT) Program, launching Alabama’s ABLE Savings Plan, and expanding investment authority to improve returns.
Rosilyn Houston ran unopposed in the Democratic primary for treasurer. She is an executive and board director with more than 30 years of leadership experience in the financial services, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. Houston recently served 16 months as Chair and Interim CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. She previously served on the corporate boards of Courtroom Sciences Inc. and Ludlow Litigation.
Legislature
All 35 seats in the senate and all 105 seats in the house are up for reelection. Two incumbents did not file for reelection in the senate and eight in the house - the lowest for either chamber since 2010. Two Republican incumbents in the Senate, Dan Roberts and Greg Albritton, were defeated by primary challengers. At least four representatives lost their primaries as well: Phillip Pettus (R), Greg Barnes (R), Jim Carns (R), and Juandalynn Givan (D).
Oregon
Governor
Despite a field of 10 candidates, incumbent Governor Tina Kotek secured the Democratic Party’s nomination for reelection with approximately 84% of the vote. She took office in 2023 after winning 47% of the vote to defeat current state senator and gubernatorial candidate Christine Drazan (R). Her approval has suffered, even among the state’s most Democratic-friendly regions: transportation funding fights and limited progress on core priorities have dented the governor’s popularity. However, Kotek was the only Democratic candidate with political experience and notable financial backing, and none of her opponents polled close behind. She previously served in the Oregon State House of Representatives from 2007 to 2022, occupying leadership positions as Co-Speaker Pro Tempore in 2011, House Democratic Leader in 2012, and House Speaker from 2013 to 2022. Among the accomplishments of her first term, Kotek lists addressing rising cost of living, reducing homelessness, improving the state’s education system, and protecting Oregon’s environment.
Winning approximately 42% of the Republican primary vote, State Senator Christine Drazan advanced to the general election, setting up a rematch of the 2022 general election for Oregon governor between Drazan and Kotek. First elected to the House in 2018, she left office to run for governor in 2022 and returned to the legislature in 2024. Republicans elected her as minority leader in her first term as a representative. Her campaign platform includes measures aimed to lower the cost of living and boost the state’s economy, address homelessness and housing affordability, and improve the education system.
The Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball both give Kotek a strong edge in the general election.
Legislature
Fifteen (15) out of 30 senate seats, and all 60 house seats, are up for reelection this year. Five (5) senate incumbents did not file for reelection, along with eight house incumbents. Democrats will likely maintain their majorities in both chambers post-November.
Kentucky
Legislature
All eyes in Kentucky's primary were on the congressional Republican primary race between U.S. Representative Thomas Massie and Trump-backed Ed Gallrein, widely watched as a bellwether for the president's endorsement influence, but down-ballot state legislative races were also quietly decided Tuesday. All 100 house seats and 19 of the 38 senate seats were on the ballot, with nine incumbents not seeking reelection. Republicans are expected to maintain their dominant supermajority in both chambers. In addition, Representatives Daniel Grossberg (D) and Kim Banta (R) lost their respective primaries.
Idaho
Governor
Incumbent Governor Brad Little faced a crowded Republican primary of seven candidates. Ahead of election day, Little’s campaign raised over $1.8 million, significantly more than any other candidate with the closest competitor being former police officer Mark Fitzpatrick who raised about $185,000. While Little’s primary competitors prioritized different issues, an overarching theme among all candidates was the lack of government transparency under Little’s leadership.
Little is one step closer to a third term, winning the party’s nomination with approximately 59% of the vote. First elected in 2018 and again in 2022, Little’s campaign greatly builds upon his accomplishments in office where he has worked to deliver tax relief, strengthen public safety, reduce red tape, foster economic growth, and increase investments in education. Before taking office in 2019, Little served as Lt. Governor under Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter (R).
The state’s Democratic primary for Governor featured four candidates: Terri Pickens, Maxine Durand, Jill Kirkham, and Chanelle Torrez. Attorney Terri Pickens advanced to the general election with 61% of the vote. Key endorsements ahead of election day from state leadership including Senate Minority Leader Melissa Wintrow (D) and House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel (D) likely played a large role in securing her victory. Pickens founded her firm, Pickens Law, P.A., in 2008 where she practices real estate, construction, and general commercial litigation. Her campaign priorities include fostering economic growth, increasing funding for public education and pre-K programs, protecting and preserving public lands, and protecting civil rights, reproductive healthcare, and immigrant communities.
Little and Pickens will meet in November for a general election race that the Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball have rated as solid Republican.
Attorney General
Incumbent Attorney General Raúl Labrador ran uncontested in the Republican primary for Attorney General. Prior to being elected Attorney General in 2022, Labrador represented Idaho District 1 in the US House Representatives from 2011 to 2019, where he co-founded the House Freedom Caucus. His re-election campaign builds upon his work in defending conservative values before the courts, including protecting children’s online safety, strengthening parental rights over their child’s education, fighting against illegal immigration, and protecting Second Amendment rights.
Seasoned attorney Lori Hickman ran uncontested in the Democratic primary for Attorney General. Hickman earned her law degree from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark Law School and has worked for the United States District Court for the District of Idaho. Over the past decade, she has worked in a Boise law firm representing clients in business, litigation, and intellectual property matters. Her priorities include restoring trust and integrity to the role of attorney general, upholding the rule of law, strengthening children’s online safety and consumer protections, protecting the state’s public lands and natural resources, and securing state elections.
State Treasurer
Incumbent Treasurer Julie Ellsworth ran uncontested in the Republican primary for Treasurer. First elected in 2018, her re-election campaign builds upon her work in office. She vows to continue increasing transparency in government, reducing property taxes, and safeguarding citizens’ access to financing. Idaho earned its first-ever AAA credit rating under her leadership, helping to strengthen the state’s financial standing and lower borrowing costs for Idaho communities. Ellsworth served in the Idaho House of Representatives for twelve years where she worked closely with the treasury to obtain the state’s high bond rating.
Kevin Jones ran uncontested in the Democratic primary for Treasurer. Jones currently works as a Geographic Information Systems Manager at Boise State University. Prior to this role, he worked at the Idaho State Tax Commission for over ten years.
State Legislature
All 35 Idaho Senate seats and all 70 house seats are up for election. Two senate incumbents and five house incumbents are not running for reelection. At least six incumbent Republican legislators lost their seats on Tuesday night. This includes Senators Glenneda Zuiderveld and Josh Kohl and Representatives Lucs Cayler, Faye Thompson, David Leavitt, and Tanya Burgoyne. Republicans hold a supermajority in both the senate and the house and are expected to maintain this supermajority.
Pennsylvania
Incumbent Governor Josh Shapiro ran uncontested in the Democratic primary for Governor. Shapiro’s re-election campaign platforms his accomplishments in office which include fostering job growth, lowering the costs of living, strengthening state infrastructure, and improving government efficiency. Shapiro has been an outspoken critic of the Trump administration highlighting the “chaos and toxicity” emerging from Washington, DC at his campaign launch in January. Back in 2024, former Vice President Kamala Harris (D) considered Shapiro as a potential running mate in her bid for president. Shapiro’s re-election campaign will be watched closely on a national level as he is being considered as a Democratic contender in the 2028 presidential election.
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity ran uncontested in the Republican primary for Governor. Garrity is a retired US Army Reserve Colonel, serving three deployments in the Middle East. Prior to being elected treasurer, Garrity served as a vice president at Global Tungsten & Powders Corp. Garrity’s campaign centers her Turn Around PA platform that seeks to expand energy generation capacity, lower the cost of living, reduce property taxes, and restore fairness and transparency to state government.
Shapiro and Garrity will go head-to-head in November’s general election with the Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball labeling this race in Shapiro’s favor.
State Legislature
Twenty-five (25) out of the 50 Pennsylvania Senate seats and all 203 house seats are up for election. Narrow majorities are currently held in both chambers with Republicans holding a four-seat majority in the senate and Democrats holding a one-seat majority in the house. Following Tuesday night’s primary election, at least four House incumbents are expected to lost their seats including: Representative Greg Vitali (D), who is the longest continually serving member of the house, Representative Ana Tiburcion (D), Representative Donald “Bud” Cook (R), and Representative Keith Harris (D).
Both Democrats and Republicans will be fighting to maintain control of their current legislative chamber while working to flip the other chamber in their favor.