Georgia - What to watch in 2026

Last updated: June 8, 2026

Georgia is a politically competitive state where control of the governor's office and legislature plays a central role in shaping women's rights. Unlike in some states, key policies—especially around reproductive healthcare—are not protected by the state constitution, meaning changes in political leadership can directly affect how laws are written and enforced.

Georgia continues to enforce a six-week abortion ban, while debates over voting rules, election administration, and political representation remain active. In 2026, lawmakers are preparing to revisit both redistricting and election procedures during a special legislative session in mid-June.

With both the governor's office and legislative control in play, the outcome of the 2026 election could determine whether current policies are maintained, expanded, or rolled back.

What’s at stake

Several areas of women’s rights in Georgia could shift depending on future political decisions:

• Abortion policy.
  Georgia currently enforces a restrictive abortion law. Because there is no constitutional protection, future changes—whether expanding access or maintaining or strengthening existing limits—will depend directly on the outcome of the governor’s race and control of the state legislature.
• Voting access.
  Georgia continues to debate how elections should be administered and counted. Lawmakers are expected to consider changes to the state's voting system during a 2026 special session, while disputes over ballot-counting procedures and election administration remain active. Future decisions could affect how votes are cast, counted, and certified.
• Political representation.
  Following the U.S. Supreme Court's 2026 VRA ruling, Georgia lawmakers are preparing to revisit congressional and legislative district maps in June. Supporters argue the ruling requires new maps, while critics warn that redistricting could reduce the influence of some communities and further entrench existing political power.

What will be on the ballot - and when

Georgia voters will participate in several elections that will influence how women’s rights laws are written and enforced.

Primary Run-Off (June 16, 2026)

Primaries determine which candidates advance to the general election:

• Georgia State Senate (about half the chamber)
• Georgia House of Representatives (all seats)
• U.S. House of Representatives
• U.S. Senate

Special Election (July 28, 2026)

The special election will fill the vacancy left by David Scott (D), who died on April 22, 2026. If needed, a general runoff is scheduled for August 25, 2026.

General election (November 3, 2026)

• Governor
• Georgia General Assembly
  • All of the state House seats
  • About half of the state Senate seats
• U.S. House of Representatives (14 seats)
• U.S. Senate (1 seat)

These offices influence whether new laws are introduced or blocked, and how existing laws are enforced across the state.

Election Resources

The following links provide official information about the ballot, voter registration, and elected representatives:

My Voter Page Georgia - check your registration status, find your polling place, and see what specific races will be on your ballot.
Ballotpedia - Georgia elections, 2026

Locate your district's representatives

• Who Represents You - The official director of state legislators

WRDI provides election context to support an informed understanding of how laws and policies change. The initiative does not endorse candidates or parties.