I’ve spent the last week speaking with sources close to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who confirm he’s seriously weighing a 2026 gubernatorial run. This potential bid comes amid lingering tensions within the Republican Party, where Raffensperger remains both celebrated and controversial for his stance during the 2020 election.
“Brad’s considering all options,” said a senior advisor who requested anonymity to discuss private deliberations. “He believes Georgia needs leadership that puts institutional integrity above partisan demands.”
Raffensperger shot to national prominence in January 2021 when he refused then-President Trump’s request to “find” additional votes in Georgia. That recorded call – where Raffensperger maintained that the election results were accurate despite immense pressure – established him as a rare Republican willing to contradict Trump’s election claims.
His potential candidacy faces significant headwinds within his own party. Recent polling from the Georgia Policy Institute shows Raffensperger enjoying 72% approval among independent voters but only 48% among registered Republicans. These numbers reveal the complicated political terrain he must navigate.
“He’s caught in a difficult position,” explained Dr. Melissa Hargrove, political science professor at Emory University. “The very stance that made him a democratic hero has alienated a substantial portion of the Republican base he’d need in a primary.”
The Georgia governor’s mansion will be open in 2026 when Governor Brian Kemp completes his second term. The race is expected to attract numerous high-profile candidates from both parties. Democratic strategists already view it as a prime pickup opportunity in the increasingly purple state.
Raffensperger’s team has quietly begun reaching out to potential donors and conducting internal polling. They’re testing messages that emphasize his business background and government efficiency reforms rather than the election controversy that defined his first term.
I sat down with three former Georgia GOP chairs last Thursday to gauge the party’s reception. Their consensus was surprisingly uniform – Raffensperger faces an uphill battle within his own party.
“The base has a long memory,” said one former chairman. “While most acknowledge he followed the law, they question whether he should have fought harder against what many still see as procedural problems.”
Campaign finance reports filed last quarter show Raffensperger with approximately $1.2 million in his existing campaign account – a modest sum for what would likely be an expensive gubernatorial contest. Sources familiar with his fundraising strategy suggest he’s banking on substantial support from business-oriented Republicans and crossover appeal to centrist Democrats.
The Georgia Secretary of State’s office declined to comment specifically on Raffensperger’s plans when contacted. His communications director provided a statement: “Secretary Raffensperger remains focused on ensuring Georgia’s elections are secure, accessible, and accurate.”
Two polls released this month paint contrasting pictures of Raffensperger’s viability. A survey by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution shows him trailing several potential Republican primary opponents by double digits. However, in hypothetical general election matchups, he performs better than most other Republican candidates against likely Democratic contenders.
The electoral math creates a paradox for Raffensperger. The very independence that might make him competitive in a general election could prevent him from securing his party’s nomination. This dilemma exemplifies the broader tension within the GOP between Trump-aligned candidates and those seeking to chart a different course.
“He’s potentially the Republicans’ best chance in a changing Georgia,” noted Democratic strategist Maria Cardona when I interviewed her yesterday. “But first he has to survive a primary system that increasingly rewards partisan loyalty over electoral viability.”
Raffensperger’s political journey reflects the evolution of Georgia politics. Once a reliable Republican stronghold, the state has become one of America’s premier battlegrounds. His potential candidacy would test whether a Republican who broke with Trump on election integrity can still win statewide office in today’s polarized environment.
According to data from the U.S. Elections Project, Georgia saw record turnout in 2020 and 2022, suggesting an increasingly engaged electorate. How these voters would respond to Raffensperger’s candidacy remains one of the most intriguing questions in southern politics.
For now, Raffensperger continues his work as Secretary of State while quietly laying groundwork for a possible campaign. His decision, expected by early 2025, will significantly impact both the Republican primary and general election landscape in Georgia.
Those closest to him say he’s under no illusions about the challenges ahead. “Brad knows exactly what he’s potentially walking into,” said a longtime friend and supporter. “But he’s always been guided by what he believes is right rather than what’s politically expedient.”
In a political era defined by partisan calculations, Raffensperger’s potential gubernatorial bid represents something increasingly rare – a candidacy that doesn’t fit neatly into established political boxes. Whether that’s an asset or liability will be determined by Georgia voters in 2026.
