Governor of Georgia · Election November 3, 2026 · Updated
Who should I vote for in the Georgia governor's race?
Keisha Lance Bottoms has the strongest record in the Georgia governor's race. Keisha Lance Bottoms scores 63 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Rick Jackson at 57, as of October 9, 2026. Keisha Lance Bottoms's highest marks are accountability and relevant experience. Rick Jackson's highest marks are roots in the constituency and management. David C. Byrne (0 of 15 criteria), Jacqueline Angela DaCosta (0 of 15 criteria), Deb Broughton Davis (0 of 15 criteria), Milton J. Lofton (0 of 15 criteria), David Leon Moreland (0 of 15 criteria), Leland Jake Olinger II (0 of 15 criteria) and Andrew Pacetti (0 of 15 criteria) have too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Democratic
Strongest record
Keisha Lance Bottoms
63 / 100
Public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 56
- Qualifications
- 65
- Performance
- 75
Write-in
David C. Byrne
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 0 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- NR
- Performance
- NR
Write-in
Jacqueline Angela DaCosta
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 0 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- NR
- Performance
- NR
Write-in
Deb Broughton Davis
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 0 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- NR
- Performance
- NR
Republican
Rick Jackson
57 / 100
Public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 60
- Performance
- 63
Write-in
Milton J. Lofton
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 0 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- NR
- Performance
- NR
Write-in
David Leon Moreland
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 0 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- NR
- Performance
- NR
Write-in
Leland Jake Olinger II
On the ballot as Leland Jake Olinger, II
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 0 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- NR
- Performance
- NR
Write-in
Andrew Pacetti
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 0 of 15 criteria
- Character
- NR
- Qualifications
- NR
- Performance
- NR
The good, the bad and the unresolved
The record
The notable facts of each candidate's public life, each tied to a source and confirmed to be this person. Unresolved matters are labeled with where they stand and do not move a score.
Keisha Lance Bottoms
- Mark against2021-01-07
On Jan. 7, 2021, the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission fined her 2017 mayoral campaign $37,000 for accepting $6,900 over contribution limits and $110,797 above its debt; she agreed to the settlement.
Sources: FOX 5 Atlanta, January 2021, Appen Media (Fulton County Neighbor), Jan. 11, 2021
- On the record2026-08-14
Said in August 2026 that she caught and reimbursed a 2018 charge on a city credit card for her husband's plane ticket to the Super Bowl before it became public.
- Credit2026-08-31
Accepted six televised 2026 general election debate invitations, including the Atlanta Press Club debate on Oct. 12, and debated Jackson on Oct. 6.
Sources: CBS News Atlanta, Aug. 31, 2026, Georgia Public Broadcasting, Oct. 7, 2026
- Credit2026-08-28
Released an ethics plan in August 2026 requiring governor candidates to divest from companies doing business with the state and agencies to explain no-bid contracts.
- Credit2022-06-15
Appointed senior advisor to President Biden for public engagement on June 15, 2022.
- Credit2021
As mayor, overhauled city ethics policies, eliminated cash bail for low-level nonviolent offenses and ended the city jail's contract to hold ICE detainees.
Source: Atlanta News First, Oct. 4, 2026
David C. Byrne
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Jacqueline Angela DaCosta
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Deb Broughton Davis
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Rick Jackson
- Unresolved2026-06-05
Jones Petroleum, the Jones family company, sued Jackson and his campaign for libel in Fulton County Superior Court in June 2026, seeking at least $100 million.
Where it stands: Pending as of Sept. 22, 2026.
Sources: Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 5, 2026, Washington Examiner, Sept. 22, 2026
- On the record2026-06-22
On June 22, 2026, Avant Healthcare Professionals, a company he owns, settled a class action by immigrant nurses for $3 million plus waived fees, denying wrongdoing.
Source: CNN, Aug. 20, 2026
- On the record2026-09-22
Filed a defamation suit against primary rival Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in 2026 and dropped it, along with a second suit over campaign finance rules, in September 2026.
Sources: WRDW, Sept. 23, 2026, Washington Examiner, Sept. 22, 2026
- On the record2026-05-28
Declined the Atlanta Press Club's May 31, 2026 runoff debate, and as of Oct. 7 had not confirmed its Oct. 12 general election debate; he debated Bottoms at an Atlanta News First town hall on Oct. 6.
Sources: Atlanta News First, May 28, 2026, Georgia Public Broadcasting, Oct. 7, 2026
- On the record2024
In 2024 Jackson and Coker, a Jackson Healthcare staffing firm, and a physician agreed to pay $700,000 to resolve federal allegations of a Medicare kickback scheme; prosecutors said the firm fully cooperated.
Source: WTOC fact check, April 13, 2026
- Credit2026-08-18
Endorsed in August 2026 by two Democratic sheriffs, Ashley Paulk of Lowndes County and Craig Peavy of Dooly County.
- Credit2000
Founded Jackson Healthcare in 2000; it now heads a network of roughly 20 health care staffing and services companies.
Source: CNN, Aug. 20, 2026
Milton J. Lofton
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
David Leon Moreland
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Leland Jake Olinger II
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Andrew Pacetti
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Who they are
Character
Integrity
Tells the truth, keeps their word, and takes no private gain from public office.
Keisha Lance Bottoms. No ethics or court finding of private gain found. Her 2017 mayoral campaign's $37,000 state campaign finance fine (January 2021, over-limit contributions) is scored under Management per E20. PolitiFact lists two checks, both Mostly True.
Sources: PolitiFact, Keisha Lance Bottoms, FOX 5 Atlanta, January 2021
David C. Byrne. No public record found.
Jacqueline Angela DaCosta. No public record found.
Deb Broughton Davis. No public record found.
Rick Jackson. The only state ethics commission order naming his committee, Jackson for Governor, Inc., is case 26-0004-C, administratively dismissed in June 2026. No official finding of private gain found.
Source: Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission, Final Orders
Milton J. Lofton. No public record found.
David Leon Moreland. No public record found.
Leland Jake Olinger II. No public record found.
Andrew Pacetti. No public record found.
Courage
Takes a stand that costs them something, including telling their own side no.
Keisha Lance Bottoms. No public record found.
David C. Byrne. No public record found.
Jacqueline Angela DaCosta. No public record found.
Deb Broughton Davis. No public record found.
Rick Jackson. No public record found.
Milton J. Lofton. No public record found.
David Leon Moreland. No public record found.
Leland Jake Olinger II. No public record found.
Andrew Pacetti. No public record found.
Accountability
Owns mistakes, answers hard questions, and works in the open.
Keisha Lance Bottoms. Accepted six televised 2026 debate invitations, including the Oct. 12 Atlanta Press Club debate, and debated Rick Jackson at the Oct. 6 Atlanta News First town hall.
Sources: CBS News Atlanta, Aug. 31, 2026, Georgia Public Broadcasting, Oct. 7, 2026
David C. Byrne. No public record found.
Jacqueline Angela DaCosta. No public record found.
Deb Broughton Davis. No public record found.
Rick Jackson. Debated Keisha Lance Bottoms at the Oct. 6, 2026 Atlanta News First town hall. Declined the Atlanta Press Club's runoff debate and had not confirmed its Oct. 12 general election debate.
Sources: Georgia Public Broadcasting, Oct. 7, 2026, Atlanta News First, May 28, 2026
Milton J. Lofton. No public record found.
David Leon Moreland. No public record found.
Leland Jake Olinger II. No public record found.
Andrew Pacetti. No public record found.
Temperament and judgment
Steady under pressure, decides on evidence, and treats opponents and staff with respect.
Keisha Lance Bottoms. Prosecutor, municipal judge, two-term city council member, mayor of Atlanta 2018 to 2022 and White House senior advisor, with no censure, reprimand or conduct finding found. Led the city through the 2018 ransomware attack, the pandemic and the 2020 unrest.
Source: Atlanta News First, Oct. 4, 2026
David C. Byrne. No public record found.
Jacqueline Angela DaCosta. No public record found.
Deb Broughton Davis. No public record found.
Rick Jackson. Has led Jackson Healthcare since founding it in 2000 with no formal conduct finding against him found. Company settlements are in the Record.
Source: CNN, Aug. 20, 2026
Milton J. Lofton. No public record found.
David Leon Moreland. No public record found.
Leland Jake Olinger II. No public record found.
Andrew Pacetti. No public record found.
Fidelity to the oath
Uses power inside its limits: accepts certified results, obeys court rulings, follows the rules of the office.
Keisha Lance Bottoms. Held sworn office as a municipal judge, Atlanta City Council member (2010 to 2017) and mayor (2018 to 2022). No official finding of misuse of office and no action to reject certified results found.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Atlanta News First, Oct. 4, 2026
David C. Byrne. No public record found.
Jacqueline Angela DaCosta. No public record found.
Deb Broughton Davis. No public record found.
Rick Jackson. No public record found.
Milton J. Lofton. No public record found.
David Leon Moreland. No public record found.
Leland Jake Olinger II. No public record found.
Andrew Pacetti. No public record found.
What they bring
Qualifications
Relevant experience
Has done work that prepares them for this specific office.
Keisha Lance Bottoms. Mayor of Atlanta 2018 to 2022, Atlanta City Council member 2010 to 2017, municipal judge, and White House senior advisor for public engagement 2022 to 2023.
David C. Byrne. No public record found.
Jacqueline Angela DaCosta. No public record found.
Deb Broughton Davis. No public record found.
Rick Jackson. Health care staffing executive since the late 1970s and founder of Jackson Healthcare; no government service. This is his first bid for public office.
Source: Atlanta News First, Oct. 4, 2026
Milton J. Lofton. No public record found.
David Leon Moreland. No public record found.
Leland Jake Olinger II. No public record found.
Andrew Pacetti. No public record found.
Command of the job
Knows the issues and knows what the office can and cannot do.
Keisha Lance Bottoms. Published specific plans, including an ethics package requiring governor candidates to divest from companies doing business with the state and agencies to explain no-bid contracts. Chaired the city council's public safety committee.
Sources: Georgia Public Broadcasting, Aug. 28, 2026, Atlanta News First, Oct. 4, 2026
David C. Byrne. No public record found.
Jacqueline Angela DaCosta. No public record found.
Deb Broughton Davis. No public record found.
Rick Jackson. Published platform proposals, including phasing out the state income tax and freezing and capping residential property taxes, stated in general terms.
Source: Atlanta News First, Oct. 4, 2026
Milton J. Lofton. No public record found.
David Leon Moreland. No public record found.
Leland Jake Olinger II. No public record found.
Andrew Pacetti. No public record found.
Communication
Explains plainly, persuades, and listens.
Keisha Lance Bottoms. Three channels documented: published issue plans, a televised town hall debate and an accepted Atlanta Press Club debate. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Georgia Public Broadcasting, Oct. 7, 2026, Georgia Public Broadcasting, Aug. 28, 2026
David C. Byrne. No public record found.
Jacqueline Angela DaCosta. No public record found.
Deb Broughton Davis. No public record found.
Rick Jackson. Two channels documented: campaign issue platform and one televised town hall debate. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Rick Jackson, Georgia Public Broadcasting, Oct. 7, 2026
Milton J. Lofton. No public record found.
David Leon Moreland. No public record found.
Leland Jake Olinger II. No public record found.
Andrew Pacetti. No public record found.
Roots in the constituency
Lives there, knows the people, and is funded by them.
Keisha Lance Bottoms. Raised in southwest Atlanta; served Atlanta as council member and mayor. In-state share of contributions not available from the sources opened.
Source: Atlanta News First, Oct. 4, 2026
David C. Byrne. No public record found.
Jacqueline Angela DaCosta. No public record found.
Deb Broughton Davis. No public record found.
Rick Jackson. Spent much of his childhood in Georgia's foster care system and built his company in Georgia. In-state share of contributions not available from the sources opened.
Source: Atlanta News First, Oct. 4, 2026
Milton J. Lofton. No public record found.
David Leon Moreland. No public record found.
Leland Jake Olinger II. No public record found.
Andrew Pacetti. No public record found.
Management
Can build and run an organization.
Keisha Lance Bottoms. Headed the City of Atlanta as mayor, but in January 2021 the state campaign finance commission fined her 2017 campaign $37,000 for accepting over-limit contributions and contributions above its debt.
Sources: FOX 5 Atlanta, January 2021, Appen Media (Fulton County Neighbor), Jan. 11, 2021
David C. Byrne. No public record found.
Jacqueline Angela DaCosta. No public record found.
Deb Broughton Davis. No public record found.
Rick Jackson. Founded Jackson Healthcare in 2000; it now heads a network of roughly 20 staffing and services companies.
Source: CNN, Aug. 20, 2026
Milton J. Lofton. No public record found.
David Leon Moreland. No public record found.
Leland Jake Olinger II. No public record found.
Andrew Pacetti. No public record found.
What they deliver
Performance
Results
Turns ideas into outcomes.
Keisha Lance Bottoms. As mayor, overhauled city ethics policies, eliminated cash bail for low-level nonviolent offenses and ended the city jail's contract to hold ICE detainees.
Source: Atlanta News First, Oct. 4, 2026
David C. Byrne. No public record found.
Jacqueline Angela DaCosta. No public record found.
Deb Broughton Davis. No public record found.
Rick Jackson. Built Jackson Healthcare into one of the nation's largest health care staffing and technology companies, per Atlanta News First.
Source: Atlanta News First, Oct. 4, 2026
Milton J. Lofton. No public record found.
David Leon Moreland. No public record found.
Leland Jake Olinger II. No public record found.
Andrew Pacetti. No public record found.
Showing up
Does the basic work of the job.
Keisha Lance Bottoms. No public record found.
David C. Byrne. No public record found.
Jacqueline Angela DaCosta. No public record found.
Deb Broughton Davis. No public record found.
Rick Jackson. No public record found.
Milton J. Lofton. No public record found.
David Leon Moreland. No public record found.
Leland Jake Olinger II. No public record found.
Andrew Pacetti. No public record found.
Constituent service
Solves problems for the people they represent.
Keisha Lance Bottoms. No public record found.
David C. Byrne. No public record found.
Jacqueline Angela DaCosta. No public record found.
Deb Broughton Davis. No public record found.
Rick Jackson. No public record found.
Milton J. Lofton. No public record found.
David Leon Moreland. No public record found.
Leland Jake Olinger II. No public record found.
Andrew Pacetti. No public record found.
Coalition building
Wins support beyond their own faction.
Keisha Lance Bottoms. No public record found.
David C. Byrne. No public record found.
Jacqueline Angela DaCosta. No public record found.
Deb Broughton Davis. No public record found.
Rick Jackson. Endorsed in August 2026 by two Democratic sheriffs, Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk and Dooly County Sheriff Craig Peavy.
Milton J. Lofton. No public record found.
David Leon Moreland. No public record found.
Leland Jake Olinger II. No public record found.
Andrew Pacetti. No public record found.
Stewardship of public money
Treats tax dollars as someone else's money.
Keisha Lance Bottoms. No public record found.
David C. Byrne. No public record found.
Jacqueline Angela DaCosta. No public record found.
Deb Broughton Davis. No public record found.
Rick Jackson. No public record found.
Milton J. Lofton. No public record found.
David Leon Moreland. No public record found.
Leland Jake Olinger II. No public record found.
Andrew Pacetti. No public record found.
How to read this
Each criterion is scored 0 to 4 against the written rubric in the Ballot Standard. NR means no record: there is no reliable public evidence either way, so the criterion is left out and never counts against the candidate. A total is published when at least 8 of 15 criteria have evidence.
A sitting officeholder has a longer public record than a first-time candidate, so the two totals rest on different amounts of evidence. Read the count of criteria beside each score. Low marks require an official finding or a primary record. Allegations and opinion are not used.
No policy position is scored. Evidence checked October 9, 2026. Campaigns and readers can send a correction with a public source to tpg@thepoliticalgroup.com.
Questions
Who should I vote for in the Georgia governor's race?
Keisha Lance Bottoms has the strongest record in the Georgia governor's race. Keisha Lance Bottoms scores 63 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Rick Jackson at 57, as of October 9, 2026. Keisha Lance Bottoms's highest marks are accountability and relevant experience. Rick Jackson's highest marks are roots in the constituency and management. David C. Byrne (0 of 15 criteria), Jacqueline Angela DaCosta (0 of 15 criteria), Deb Broughton Davis (0 of 15 criteria), Milton J. Lofton (0 of 15 criteria), David Leon Moreland (0 of 15 criteria), Leland Jake Olinger II (0 of 15 criteria) and Andrew Pacetti (0 of 15 criteria) have too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Who is running in the Georgia governor's race in 2026?
Keisha Lance Bottoms (Democratic), David C. Byrne (Write-in), Jacqueline Angela DaCosta (Write-in), Deb Broughton Davis (Write-in), Rick Jackson (Republican), Milton J. Lofton (Write-in), David Leon Moreland (Write-in), Leland Jake Olinger II (Write-in), Andrew Pacetti (Write-in). The general election is November 3, 2026.
Is Keisha Lance Bottoms a good candidate for Governor?
Keisha Lance Bottoms scores 63 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria: character 56 of 100, qualifications 65 of 100, performance 75 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is David C. Byrne a good candidate for Governor?
David C. Byrne has public evidence on 0 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Jacqueline Angela DaCosta a good candidate for Governor?
Jacqueline Angela DaCosta has public evidence on 0 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Deb Broughton Davis a good candidate for Governor?
Deb Broughton Davis has public evidence on 0 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Rick Jackson a good candidate for Governor?
Rick Jackson scores 57 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 60 of 100, performance 63 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Milton J. Lofton a good candidate for Governor?
Milton J. Lofton has public evidence on 0 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is David Leon Moreland a good candidate for Governor?
David Leon Moreland has public evidence on 0 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Leland Jake Olinger II a good candidate for Governor?
Leland Jake Olinger II has public evidence on 0 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Andrew Pacetti a good candidate for Governor?
Andrew Pacetti has public evidence on 0 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
How is the strongest record decided?
The candidate with the highest Ballot Standard score has the strongest record. Each of 15 criteria on character, qualifications and performance is scored 0 to 4 from public records and established reporting, the same way for every party. No policy position is scored, and unresolved accusations never move a score.
More on this race: every Georgia race scored, and the Georgia 2026 election guide. Independent scorecard by The Political Group, not affiliated with any candidate or party.