Monday, October 26, 2026·Focal News

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Anger and close statewide races give Georgia Democrats an opening in final election week

A new poll finds Georgia voters frustrated and pessimistic as Democrats try to break Republicans’ hold on state government. The final campaign week will bring high-profile visits from both parties and an estimated 1.5 million early ballots already cast.

Anger and close statewide races give Georgia Democrats an opening in final election week

Georgia voters are angry and gloomy about the country’s direction, creating a potential opening for Democrats as the state enters the final full week of campaigning, according to a new poll released Oct. 26.

The survey points to close contests across parts of the statewide ballot, including races for lieutenant governor and attorney general. Republicans retain advantages in other contests, and the poll does not suggest a clear outcome for control of state government. The findings come as candidates seek to turn frustration over the economy, leadership and national politics into votes.

The campaign’s closing stretch is drawing prominent figures from both parties to Georgia. President Donald Trump made his second campaign stop in the state in eight days to support Republican candidates, including gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson. Former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Kamala Harris are expected in Georgia to campaign for Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, who is seeking reelection. Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz has also campaigned for GOP candidates.

The poll captures a difficult political mood. Voters raised concerns about the cost of living and the country’s direction, while some Republicans voiced unease about the state of national leadership. Those concerns may matter in a state where both parties are trying to mobilize supporters and persuade voters who have not settled on a choice.

Roughly 1.5 million Georgians had already cast ballots early, according to the report. The scale of early voting underscores how much of the electorate is participating before Election Day, even as campaigns continue to compete for remaining voters.

Democrats are seeking gains up and down the ballot, not just in Ossoff’s Senate race. The party hopes a strong showing can challenge the GOP’s control of state government, while Republicans are emphasizing their record and national political priorities. The poll suggests neither side can take voter engagement—or the result—for granted as Election Day approaches.

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