Thurmond Jumps Into Georgia Governor’s Race

Veteran Democrat faces crowded field as party looks to flip seat after nearly three decades

Published August 20, 2025

Former lawmaker and DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond is making a bid for Georgia’s top job, announcing he’ll run for governor in 2026.

Thurmond, 72, said he’s running “to fight for working families, protect and expand access to healthcare, and build an education system that creates multiple pathways to success.”

He pitched himself as a unifier in a deeply divided political climate. “I’ve been a lifelong Democrat, and I’m a loyal Democrat and I will die a Democrat. So it’s not about partisan politics, it’s about solving problems. I will never put my party affiliation before what’s in the best interest of the state of Georgia,” he said.

The longtime public servant has more than 40 years in state government. Elected to the Legislature in 1986, Thurmond went on to become one of just three Black officials to win statewide office when he was elected labor commissioner in 1998. He held that post for three terms before serving two terms as DeKalb’s CEO, as well as a stint as interim superintendent of the county’s school district, where he’s credited with financial turnarounds.

Democrat Michael Thurmond told the @ajc he is running for Georgia governor, pledging to fight the fallout from the GOP tax and spending law that cuts public health programs. He sees himself as a “bridge builder” who can create bipartisan coalitions to counter Trump’s policies. pic.twitter.com/hR2yA7aiE9
— Greg Bluestein (@bluestein) August 6, 2025

But while he boasts a long résumé, some younger Democrats argue it’s time for fresh leadership to rebrand the party in Georgia.

The Democratic primary field is already stacked with Sen. Jason Esteves, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, state Rep. Derrick Jackson, and Atlanta pastor Olu Brown. On the Republican side, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Attorney General Chris Carr are vying for the nomination to replace term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp.

Meta description: Veteran Georgia Democrat Michael Thurmond, 72, launches 2026 gubernatorial run, joining a crowded primary field as the party hopes to retake the governor’s mansion for the first time in 28 years.