# 2026 Georgia governor race > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-georgia-governor-race > Updated: 2026-09-02T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 7. In late August 2026, election security emerged as a major point of contention in the Georgia gubernatorial race. Following a campaign event in Ringgold, Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms emphasized that high voter turnout is necessary to ensure there is ‘no doubt regarding election results.’ Republican candidate Rick Jackson faced scrutiny after audio from a Columbus rally surfaced in which he suggested Governor Brian Kemp would use the National Guard to monitor the upcoming election. Bottoms criticized these remarks, accusing Jackson of spreading ‘election lies’ and aligning himself with former President Donald Trump. A spokesperson for Governor Kemp defended the state’s processes, asserting that Georgia elections are ‘easy to vote and hard to cheat.’ As the campaign moved into September, the focus on economic affordability expanded to include taxation. Bottoms unveiled a proposal to reduce grocery costs by allowing cities and counties to waive or temporarily suspend local sales taxes on essential items. To mitigate potential revenue losses for local governments, she proposed a one-year, $250 million state fund to subsidize communities experiencing losses exceeding 5% of their previous year’s collections. This plan, which assumes Democratic control of the state House and Senate, serves as a counter to Jackson’s previous advocacy for cuts to income and energy taxes. Bottoms framed the rising cost of living as an ‘existential crisis’ for Georgia citizens. ## Claims - Nurses alleged they were underpaid and held to restrictive 'stay-or-pay' employment contracts. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Workers alleged they were threatened with reports to immigration authorities if they attempted to leave. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Avant Healthcare Professionals denied any wrongdoing regarding the allegations. (single source) - A judge approved a $3 million settlement involving Avant Healthcare Professionals in July. (single source) - The settlement covers 5,219 current and former workers. (single source) - Rick Jackson pledged to end his healthcare contracting with the state by December 31 if elected governor. (single source) - Jackson proposed eliminating state income tax on tips and cutting the state income tax in half. (single source) - Jackson pledged to eliminate state taxes on residential electricity and natural gas. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-02: Keisha Lance Bottoms proposes Georgia grocery tax cuts Georgia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms proposed a plan to allow cities and counties to eliminate or suspend local sales taxes on groceries to combat rising living costs. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/keisha-lance-bottoms-proposes-georgia-grocery-tax-cuts ### 2026-08-26: Georgia gubernatorial candidates debate election security Georgia gubernatorial candidates Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rick Jackson are clashing over election security and the potential use of the National Guard to monitor upcoming votes. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/georgia-gubernatorial-candidates-debate-election-security ### 2026-08-20: Rick Jackson's healthcare company settles immigrant nurse lawsuit for $3 million Georgia gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson faces scrutiny as his company, Avant Healthcare Professionals, settles a $3 million lawsuit with immigrant nurses over alleged underpayment and restrictive contracts 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rick-jackson-faces-scrutiny-over-healthcare-company-labor-allegations ### 2026-08-14: Georgia gubernatorial candidates focus on healthcare affordability Republican Rick Jackson and Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms are debating healthcare affordability and economic policy as Georgia's gubernatorial election approaches. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/georgia-gubernatorial-candidates-focus-on-healthcare-affordability ### 2026-08-11: Rick Jackson outraises Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia governor race Republican Rick Jackson raised $6.1 million in recent filings for the Georgia governor's race, outpacing Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, who raised $3.1 million during the same period. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rick-jackson-outraises-keisha-lance-bottoms-in-georgia-governor-race ### 2026-07-28: Rick Jackson spends $87 million on Georgia governor ad campaign Republican Rick Jackson pledged $87 million for a Georgia governor ad blitz, the race’s biggest spend, prompting Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms to criticize his state‑contract earnings and campaign tactics. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rick-jackson-spends-87-million-on-georgia-governor-ad-campaign ### 2026-07-24: Rick Jackson Gains Trump Endorsement Ahead of Georgia Governor Race Donald Trump endorsed Rick Jackson for Georgia governor, urging GOP unity, and promoted the $1,000 Trump Accounts program at a Wheeler High School event. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rick-jackson-gains-trump-endorsement-ahead-of-georgia-governor-race --- Cite as: 2026 Georgia governor race. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-georgia-governor-race