ATLANTA (AP) Georgia U.S. Representative Lucy McBath has officially taken the first step towards a gubernatorial run in 2026 by filing paperwork to raise funds for her campaign. This marks her position as the first Democrat to initiate this process for the upcoming election.
McBath has described her initiative as forming an exploratory committee, a move that could quickly transition into a formal campaign. As a four-term member of Congress, she has earned a reputation as a staunch advocate for gun control measures.
Currently, Republican Governor Brian Kemp is in the midst of his second term and is unable to seek reelection. On the GOP side, Attorney General Chris Carr has already announced his candidacy for governor, while Lt. Governor Burt Jones is also expected to enter the race.
Various other Democrats are mulling over a bid for the governor's mansion, including former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, State Senator Jason Esteves, and former DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. Notably, Stacey Abrams, who previously lost to Kemp in both 2018 and 2022, has not ruled out a potential third attempt at the governorship.
Lucy McBath first attained her Congressional seat in 2018 when she defeated Republican incumbent Karen Handel. This position was in a district located in Atlanta's northern suburbs, which was previously held by Newt Gingrich. Following a redistricting process after the 2020 Census, McBath shifted from a primary competition against fellow Democrat Carolyn Bordeaux, winning decisively, to represent a district redefined by Republicans on the western side of Atlanta. As a result, McBath has represented a significantly broader constituency than many typical Congress members, positioning her as a potentially strong candidate statewide.
Should she secure the nomination, McBath would join a select group of women, including Abrams, aiming to become the first Black female governor in an American state. While achieving this milestone presents considerable challenges, McBath may have distinct advantages among Democratic voters in Georgia, particularly appealing to Black women who constitute a vital segment of the party's electoral base.
McBath also endeavors to cultivate a bipartisan appeal, especially among suburban voters who may swing between parties. Earlier this year, she was one of four Georgia Democrats who supported the Laken Riley Act, legislation named after a young Georgia nursing student killed by a Venezuelan national in the United States illegally. This law represents the first signed by former President Donald Trump during his second term, streamlining the deportation process for immigrants illegally in the U.S. who have been accused of crimes.
In a statement, McBath emphasized the need for a governor who comprehends the real-world stakes, stating, “As a mom and breast cancer survivor, I’ve seen firsthand how regular people are too often left out of the political process. I look forward to continuing this conversation with my neighbors and fellow Georgians.”
At 64 years old, McBath gained national prominence as a gun control advocate after the tragic death of her 17-year-old son, Jordan Davis, who was shot in 2012 over a dispute regarding loud music in Jacksonville, Florida. Throughout her political journey, McBath has received substantial backing from billionaire and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
She highlights her support for a 2022 law that enhances background checks for younger gun buyers, prohibits firearms access for more domestic violence offenders, and assists states in establishing red flag laws to facilitate the removal of weapons from individuals deemed dangerous.
In a powerful display of advocacy, McBath led a group of survivors and victims' families affected by gun violence during a prime-time speaking slot at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
