The 2026 U.S. midterm elections are underway. Here is a guide on what you need to know about this year’s midterm election, and how to become a well-informed voter regardless of your state.
To begin, I will break down the races by elected office. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for re-election every two years, making the House a “revolving door” within the legislative branch. Since representatives serve two-years, a single midterm election can significantly impact the balance of party power between political parties in the House.
The House and Senate
Since all 14 of Georgia’s House seats are up for re-election, here are some of the representatives who are running for re-election. In the First District, Jim Kingston (R) runs against Amanda Hollowell (D). In the Seventh District, Rich McCormick (R) runs against Tony Kozycki (D). In the Eleventh District, John Cowan (R), Chris Harden (D), Natalie Richoz (Ind), and Amanda Carter James (Ind). Richoz and James are in by way of write-in ballots, as independents.
Here is a comprehensive list of candidates of all Georgia’s Federal Congressional districts.
Approximately one third of the U.S. Senate is up for election every two years. Senator’s terms last a total of six years. This year, a total of 35 Senate seats are up for vote across the country. The Georgia incumbent that is up for re-election this term is Senator Jon Ossoff (D) who is facing off against Mike Collins (R).
Governor summary
36 governors will be elected across the country this year. Governors are state officials responsible for overseeing their state’s executive branch and enforcing state laws. Each state has different standards for the responsibilities and succession of governors. In Georgia, for example, some responsibilities include: allocation of the state funds, the power of veto over the Georgia General Assembly, and foreign affairs relations.
Of the 36 state governorships up for election, 18 are currently held by Republicans and 18 by Democrats.
In Georgia, Keisha Lance Bottoms is the Democratic candidate, she’s served as Atlanta Mayor from 2018 to2022, was a senior advisor to former President Joe Biden and also a member of Atlanta’s City Council. Rick Jackson is the Republican candidate. He founded Jackson Healthcare and is running on a platform emphasizing tax cuts and border security.
Save the dates!
Here are some important voting deadlines in Georgia. Voter registration deadline was scheduled for Oct. 5. Election day is on Nov. 3, 2026. However, early voting is already underway across Georgia and closes on Oct. 30. The registration deadline for a potential runoff is Nov 2. If needed, Georgia’s general election runoff will take place Dec 1.
Mail-in ballot rules, voting deadlines and polling place hours vary state by state. Visit Vote.gov to learn more about voting rules and requirements in your state.
