Rep. Lucy McBath pausing potential run for Georgia governor in 2026
Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA) speaks during a press conference discussing gun violence prevention on Capitol Hill on June 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Anna Rose Layden/Getty Images)
ATLANTA - U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath is pausing her potential run for Georgia governor to focus on her husband’s health, she announced Monday.
McBath told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that her husband, Curtis, is recovering from cancer surgery but facing unexpected complications.
What they're saying:
Rep. McBath sent the following statement to FOX 5 Atlanta:
"I'm so grateful for everyone who has stood by my family as we undergo this arduous period. I will be spending some time focusing on my husband's health, and I cannot make a decision to run for Governor or not at this moment," said Rep Lucy McBath
State Sen. Jason Esteves (D-Atlanta) joined Democratic colleagues offering their support to Rep. McBath, after she announced she is suspending her exploratory committee for Governor to focus on her husband's health.
Big moves in the Georgia Democratic Party
A change in leadership for the Georgia Democratic Party. Congresswoman Nikema Williams stepped down as state party chair this weekend as Democratic leaders look ahead to the 2026 Mid-terms. Also Monday, Congresswoman Lucy McBath announced she has suspended her run for governor to focus on her husband's health.
The backstory:
The four-term Democratic congresswoman recently launched an exploratory committee for a possible 2026 gubernatorial campaign, fueling speculation about a historic run. If elected, McBath would have become Georgia’s first Black and female governor — and the first Black woman to serve as governor in any U.S. state.
RELATED: Rep. Nikema Williams reportedly steps down as Georgia Democratic Party chair
McBath said she will remain in Congress and hasn’t completely ruled out running for governor, but added, "I have to be where I’m most needed right now."
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Other Democrats still considered possible contenders include former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, state Sen. Jason Esteves, former DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, and two-time nominee Stacey Abrams.