On June 16, 2026, Republican voters in Georgia and Alabama head to the polls for high-profile runoff elections that will decide the party nominees to challenge incumbents or fill open seats in pivotal Senate and gubernatorial races. Additional primaries in California and Oklahoma are also underway, reflecting a busy day in U.S. political contests ahead of the November midterm elections.
What Happened
In Georgia, a Senate GOP runoff between Rep. Mike Collins and former football coach Derek Dooley will determine the Republican challenger to Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff. Collins received nearly 41% of the vote in the May primary, and Dooley garnered around 30%, necessitating the runoff as no candidate secured a majority.
Also in Georgia, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and healthcare executive Rick Jackson face off in a runoff for the GOP gubernatorial nomination after neither surpassed 50% in the May 19 primary. Jones leads in votes but the runoff remains competitive.
In Alabama, Rep. Barry Moore and former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson compete in a GOP Senate runoff for the seat vacated by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is pursuing the governorship. Moore leads with about 40% from the initial primary.
Separately, Oklahoma holds a Senate primary to fill Markwayne Mullin’s vacated seat, with GOP Rep. Kevin Hern favored after Trump’s endorsement. California holds a special primary to fill former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s seat following his March resignation.
Key Facts
- Rep. Mike Collins leads the Georgia GOP Senate primary with almost 41%, followed by Derek Dooley at 30%
- Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Rick Jackson split votes in the gubernatorial primary, with Jones leading by over 50,000 votes
- In Alabama, Barry Moore received nearly 40% in the Senate primary; Jared Hudson received about 26%
- Trump has endorsed Collins in Georgia’s Senate runoff and Moore in Alabama’s Senate runoff
- Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp backs Dooley in the Senate runoff and Jones in the gubernatorial runoff
- California’s special election has 11 candidates vying to complete Swalwell’s term, with the top two advancing to an August 18 runoff
Why It Matters
These runoffs are critical in shaping the Republican ticket for several competitive races, particularly in Georgia where Sen. Ossoff seeks reelection in a state won by Trump in 2024. GOP nominees will influence the balance of power in the U.S. Senate, affecting both party control and legislative priorities.
Background
Sen. Jon Ossoff won his seat in 2021 by a narrow margin and is the only Democrat up for reelection in a state that favored Trump in the previous presidential cycle. The Georgia gubernatorial race is also expected to be closely contested with high stakes for Republicans aiming to reclaim the governor’s office.
In Alabama, the open Senate seat following Tuberville’s decision to run for governor has sparked a competitive GOP primary reflecting intra-party dynamics and Trump’s ongoing influence.
Analysis
The endorsements by former President Donald Trump and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp reveal a division within the GOP between Trump-aligned candidates, such as Collins and Jones, and others seeking a more independent stance like Dooley and Jackson. Collins has positioned himself as a staunch Trump loyalist, while Dooley claims outsider status despite Kemp’s backing. Analysts note this division could affect GOP unity going into November.
Who Is Affected
Voters in Georgia and Alabama will directly determine their party’s candidates for Senate and governor races. The outcomes will impact the broader 2026 midterm election landscape. Democratic incumbents and candidates, including Jon Ossoff and Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia, will face the winners of these GOP runoffs in November. Other stakes involve the Oklahoma Senate seat and California’s special election district.
What Remains Unclear
- Which candidate will secure endorsements from key figures like Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s supporters in the gubernatorial runoff
- The extent to which Trump’s endorsements will influence final voter turnout and preferences
- Outcomes of the crowded California special election primary as candidates vie for the top two slots
What Comes Next
- Georgia and Alabama GOP runoffs are set for June 16, 2026
- California’s top-two primary candidates will proceed to a special election runoff on August 18, 2026
- Winners of these primaries will advance to the November 2026 general elections to compete against Democratic nominees
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source:
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