The 2026 race for Georgia Governor is already a full-throttle sprint, with Attorney General Chris Carr and Lt. Governor Burt Jones engaging in an escalating battle for key endorsements, signaling an early test of strength and influence within the Republican party.

Attorney General Carr came out swinging on Tuesday, announcing a formidable slate of endorsements from 53 county sheriffs across Georgia, including prominent law enforcement figures from the Northwest region. This move directly counters Lt. Governor Jones’s recent reveal of his own endorsements, which included 16 sheriffs, one former sheriff, and a host of state lawmakers.

Carr’s list boasts significant support from local officials, including Floyd County Sheriff Dave Roberson, Gordon County Sheriff Mitch Ralston, Bartow County Sheriff Clark Milsap, and Catoosa County Sheriff Gary Sisk. The unified backing from law enforcement underscores Carr’s focus on public safety and his record as the state’s top legal officer.

“He built the Gang Prosecution Unit, took on fentanyl and understands the mental health and addiction challenges we’re up against,” said Coweta County Sheriff Lenn Wood in a news release provided by Carr. “Most importantly, he’s working with us on real solutions. That’s why law enforcement across Georgia trusts him to keep our state strong.”

Jones, who announced his gubernatorial bid in July, two months after Carr in November, has also built a significant coalition. His legislative endorsements include State Senators Chuck Hufstetler (R-Rome) and Jason Anavitarte (R-Dallas), as well as State Representatives Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee) and Steve Tarvin (R-Chickamauga).

Beyond the local and legislative support, Jones holds a powerful card: the endorsement of second-term Republican President Donald Trump, issued via social media in August. The lieutenant governor wasted no time leveraging this backing, taking aim at his opponents last week.

“Chris Carr and Brad Raffensperger have one thing in common: They are both ‘Never Trumpers,’” Jones posted on social media. “There is only one candidate in this race that’s always supported and has the full and complete endorsement of @realDonaldTrump.”

The jabs indicate a deeper ideological divide emerging early in the primary, with Jones positioning himself as the stalwart Trump ally.

The Republican field for the state’s top job, currently held by term-limited Governor Brian Kemp, is rapidly expanding. Until Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger entered the race last week, Carr and Jones were the only two statewide officeholders vying for the nomination. At least 21 individuals have announced their aspirations to succeed Kemp.

Other declared Republican candidates, according to the Georgia Campaign Finance System, include Ben Anderson, Clark Dean, Scott Daniel Ellison, Gregg Rodney Kirkpatrick, Billy Gene Minter II, Leland J. Olinger II, Walter Paschal Reeves II, Takosha Mishel Swan, and Kenneth Yasger.

The Democratic primary is also shaping up to be a competitive contest. Notably, former Republican Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan announced his candidacy as a Democrat last week. He joins a field of high-profile Democrats including former Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, State Senator Jason Esteves, and State Representative Derrick Jackson. Additional Democratic candidates are Akhenaten Hotep Amun, Olu Brown, Benjamin Turner, and Ocean Zotique.

Adding another dimension to the race, Kia Marie Legette is running as an independent.

With more than two years until election day, the early surge of candidates and the fierce battle for endorsements suggest a long and dynamic campaign ahead for the Georgia governorship.