Four-term Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA) suspended the exploratory committee she created for a gubernatorial run amid her husband’s ailing health.
“It’s a hard decision. It’s a really difficult decision to make. And right now, I can’t make the decision on whether or not to run for governor,” McBath told the Atlantic Journal-Constitution. “I’ve always said my priorities should be where I’m supposed to be, and that’s helping my husband.”
McBath’s husband was diagnosed with cancer and suffered complications from a surgery earlier this month. McBath said, “His road to ultimate health is going to be a little longer and more difficult than we thought.”
However, McBath, who was the first Democrat to start an exploratory committee to generate fundraising, said she hasn’t ruled out a run for Georgia governor but would not step down from serving as a representative.
Her indecision over the governor’s race is causing others to stall on whether they’ll make a bid for her congressional seat.
Other Democratic contenders include Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Democratic state Sen. Jason Esteves, and former DeKalb Chief Executive Michael Thurmond. They are all seeking the opportunity to put Georgia’s governorship under Democratic control for the first time in 20 years.
Meanwhile, on the Republican side, Attorney General Chris Carr, who is closely aligned with President Donald Trump and announced his bid last year, and Lt. Gov Burt Jones, who is expected to enter the race in the coming months, are seeking to replace Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA).
FIVE DEMOCRATS IN PRIME POSITION TO BE FACE OF THE PARTY IN 2028
McBath was first elected in 2018 after she flipped the congressional seat formerly held by Newt Gingrich. She lost her son to gun violence and made gun reform a major component of her campaign, quickly becoming a leader in it.
Democrats see McBath as an opportunity to capture the enthusiasm of voters disgruntled with Trump’s policies. She has been outspoken against the Department of Government Efficiency’s firings and tariffs.
