Description

Governor’s Race is Heating Up: See Where Candidates Stand On Manufacturing

Mark your calendar for April 21, when GAM hosts a Legislative Affairs and Gubernatorial Candidate Forum. This non-partisan event offers a public forum for 2026 gubernatorial candidates to present their platforms and respond to questions — specifically pertaining to how they will approach manufacturing and industry success in Georgia.

“Given the significance of the 2026 gubernatorial race in Georgia and the number of candidates entering the field, it’s vital that we promote informed civic engagement among Georgia manufacturers and industry partners,” explains Brittney Hull, GAM’s Vice President of Government Affairs. “Our democratic process hinges on transparency and healthy dialogue.”

GAM is hosting the event with several industry partners such as Gas South, Georgia Paper and Forest Products Association (GPFPA), Georgia Mining Association, Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Aerospace and Defense Alliance, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), and the Georgia Forestry Association.

Candidates will be asked the same set of questions regarding their positions on the following topics as they relate to manufacturing:

• Energy and infrastructure
• Environment and regulatory
• Taxes and economic policy
• Education and workforce development

The event will take place at Comcast Central Division HQ, 2605 Circle Pkwy, Atlanta, GA, 30339, at The Battery Atlanta. The Gubernatorial Candidate Forum starts at 12:30 p.m. and runs until 4:00 p.m., and we'll cap off the day with a cocktail reception, sponsored by Gas South, following the forum.

All qualifying candidates polling 2% or more from both Democratic and Republican parties have been invited to participate. As of April 15, the following candidates have committed to attend:

Democratic Primary*

Geoff Duncan (CONFIRMED)

Jason Esteves (CONFIRMED)

Michael Thurmond (CONFIRMED)

Derrick Jackson (CONFIRMED)

Republican Primary

Chris Carr (CONFIRMED)

Rick Jackson (CONFIRMED)

Brad Raffensperger (CONFIRMED)

Burt Jones (CONFIRMED)

*Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) is not able to attend due to schedule