Georgia voters will have a chance to shape the future of their state during this election year, with an open seat for governor highlighting the races on the 2026 ballot, with the first votes to be cast for the May 19 primaries.

Democrats running for governor in Georgia are scrambling for attention and cash.

Burt Jones is Georgia's lieutenant governor and he seemed to have a clear path to be the Republican nominee for governor this year with President Donald Trump's endorsement, But then health care tycoon Rick Jackson got into the race in February and he's already spent more than $30 million of his own money on television campaign ads.

Georgia’s races for governor and U.S. Senate are taking shape as candidates qualify and begin their sprint to the May 19 party primaries.