News Summary

U.S. Representative Lucy McBath has decided to suspend her campaign for the 2026 Georgia gubernatorial election to prioritize her husband’s health after his cancer surgery. McBath, known for her advocacy for gun safety legislation, aims to focus on family during this challenging time while leaving the door open for a future gubernatorial run. The political landscape remains competitive as other candidates emerge amidst McBath’s temporary withdrawal.

Atlanta, GA – A Change of Plans for McBath

In a surprising but understandable twist, U.S. Representative Lucy McBath has announced that she is putting her aspirations for the 2026 Georgia gubernatorial race on hold. The four-term Congresswoman, who has become a household name for her passionate advocacy for gun safety legislation, is stepping back from her campaign to focus on her husband Curtis’s health after complications from his recent cancer surgery.

A Family First Approach

Living in the public eye often comes with its challenges, but McBath’s decision to prioritize her family during a time of need is one that resonates with many. Her spokesperson has clarified that while she is hitting the pause button on her gubernatorial ambitions, it does not mean she’s closing the door on possibly running for governor in the future.

McBath made headlines earlier this year when she officially filed the necessary paperwork to kick off her gubernatorial campaign on March 5, 2025. But given her current family situation, it makes sense that she would want to take a step back. Family is what it’s all about, after all.

A Resilient Political Figure

McBath’s journey into politics has been nothing short of remarkable. She first burst onto the political scene in 2018 when she took down Republican U.S. Representative Karen Handel to clinch a seat representing Atlanta’s northern suburbs. Since then, she has been re-elected even after facing challenges due to redistricting. Such resilience speaks volumes about her connection with constituents and her capability as a leader.

Throughout her time in Congress, McBath has been a vocal advocate for gun control, motivated by the tragic loss of her son, Jordan Davis, to gun violence in 2012. This personal tragedy has fueled her passion for reforming gun laws, and she gained national recognition for her efforts, especially for supporting tougher background checks, which were made a part of law in 2022. Her work even led her to lead a group of survivors of gun violence at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

The Political Landscape

As McBath pauses her campaign, the race for Georgia’s governorship grows more intriguing. Currently, Republican Governor Brian Kemp is finishing up his second term and is ineligible to run again, opening a fresh playing field. Republican Attorney General Chris Carr is already in the race, while Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is expected to join him. On the Democratic side, a range of notable figures is exploring their options, including former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and state Senator Jason Esteves.

The Democratic Party has not tasted victory in a gubernatorial election in Georgia since 1998, so the stakes are high for whoever steps up to the challenge. With McBath stepping back, many are left wondering who will rise to the occasion. Previous political heavyweights like Michael Thurmond and Stacey Abrams, who has not dismissed the idea of a third campaign against Kemp, add to the growing mix of potential candidates.

The Impact of Support

Interestingly, McBath has been buoyed by significant financial backing from influential individuals, including former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg. This support stands as a testament to her strong national profile as a leader devoted to making a difference. McBath’s decision to focus on her family, however, underscores the often overlooked human aspect of politics.

As McBath takes this necessary time for her family, she leaves behind a field in flux, filled with uncertainty. The people of Georgia will certainly keep an eye on her, with hopes that she will return to the political arena when she’s ready!

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Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER

SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.

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Lucy McBath Pauses Gubernatorial Campaign for Family Health