The 2022 Georgia gubernatorial election took place on November 8, 2022, to elect the governor of Georgia. Incumbent Republican Governor Brian Kemp won a second term, defeating Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams in a rematch. Abrams conceded on election night. The primary occurred on May 24, 2022. Kemp was sworn in for a second term on January 12, 2023.
Kemp was endorsed by former Vice President Mike Pence and former President George W. Bush. He faced a primary challenge from former U.S. Senator David Perdue, who was endorsed by then-former President Donald Trump after Kemp refused to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Trump ultimately gave Kemp an endorsement in the general election.
Stacey Abrams, the former minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives and founder of Fair Fight Action who was narrowly defeated by Kemp in the 2018 gubernatorial election, was once again the Democratic nominee for the governorship. This was Georgia's first gubernatorial rematch since 1950.
The 2022 Georgia gubernatorial election took place on November 8, 2022, to elect the governor of Georgia. Incumbent Republican Governor Brian Kemp won a second term, defeating Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams in a rematch. Abrams conceded on election night. The primary occurred on May 24, 2022. Kemp was sworn in for a second term on January 12, 2023.
Kemp was endorsed by former Vice President Mike Pence and former President George W. Bush. He faced a primary challenge from former U.S. Senator David Perdue, who was endorsed by then-former President Donald Trump after Kemp refused to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Trump ultimately gave Kemp an endorsement in the general election.
Stacey Abrams, the former minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives and founder of Fair Fight Action who was narrowly defeated by Kemp in the 2018 gubernatorial election, was once again the Democratic nominee for the governorship. This was Georgia's first gubernatorial rematch since 1950.
Republican primary
Incumbent governor Brian Kemp faced criticism from former president Donald Trump for his refusal to overturn the results of the 2020 United States presidential election. Kemp was booed at the Georgia Republican Convention in June 2021, and in December former senator David Perdue announced a primary challenge to Kemp and was promptly endorsed by Trump. Initial polling showed a competitive race, however, Kemp significantly outraised his opponent and signed conservative legislation such as permitless carry of firearms and a temporary suspension of the gas tax that shored up his position among voters, and on election day, he won by over 50 points, a margin far larger than predicted.
Candidates
Nominee
Brian Kemp, incumbent governor (2019–present) and former secretary of state of Georgia (2010–2018)
Eliminated in primary
Catherine Davis, HR professional
David Perdue, former U.S. senator from Georgia (2015–2021)
Kandiss Taylor, conservative commentator, host of the Jesus, Guns, and Babies show, and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2020
Tom Williams, civil service retiree
Withdrawn
Vernon Jones, former state representative (1993–2001, 2017–2021, Democratic until 2020) and CEO of DeKalb County (2001–2009) (endorsed Perdue) (ran for U.S. House in GA-10)
Declined
Doug Collins, former U.S. representative for Georgia's 9th congressional district (2013–2021) and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2020
Herschel Walker, former American football player (ran for U.S. Senate)
Stacey Abrams, founder of Fair Fight Action, former minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives (2011–2017) and nominee for governor in 2018
Declined
Kasim Reed, former mayor of Atlanta (2010–2018) (ran for mayor)
Independent and third-party candidates
Declared
Al Bartell (independent), businessman, U.S. Air Force veteran, and perennial candidate
Shane T. Hazel (Libertarian), radio host, Republican candidate for Georgia's 7th congressional district in 2018, and Libertarian nominee for U.S. Senate in 2020
General election
Endorsements
Brian Kemp (R)
US Presidents
George W. Bush, 43rd president of the United States (2001–2009)
Donald Trump, 45th president of the United States (2017–2021)
Other Executive branch officials
Nikki Haley, United States Ambassador to the United Nations (2017–2018) and Governor of South Carolina (2011–2017)
Mike Pence, 48th vice president of the United States (2017–2021)
U.S. senators
Kelly Loeffler, U.S. senator from Georgia (2020–2021)
David Perdue, U.S. senator from Georgia (2015–2021) and runner-up in the Republican primary
U.S. representatives
Drew Ferguson, U.S. representative for GA-03 (2017–2025)
Newt Gingrich, speaker of the United States House of Representatives (1995–1999) and U.S. representative for GA-06 (1979–1999)
Kwanza Hall, U.S. representative for GA-05 (2020–2021) (Democrat)
U.S. governors
Doug Ducey, governor of Arizona (2015–2023)
Joe Frank Harris, 78th governor of Georgia (1983–1991) (Democrat)
Larry Hogan, governor of Maryland (2015–2023)
Pete Ricketts, governor of Nebraska (2015–2023)
Glenn Youngkin, governor of Virginia (2022–2026)
State officials
Tim Echols, Georgia Public Service Commissioner from the 2nd District (2011–2026)
Shirley Miller, former First Lady of Georgia (1991–1999) (Democrat)