This year, Georgia elects a new governor, every state constitutional office, and every seat in the state legislature, plus many other offices ranging from U.S. Senate to county commissions.

The upcoming July 20 primaries will determine which Republicans and Democrats will battle it out in the Nov. 2 general election. A few November races also include a Libertarian or independent candidate as well.

The primary ballot includes three openly gay candidates: Joan Garner and Keisha Waites for Fulton County Commission District 6, and Keith Gross for State House District 80.

And while few candidates for the state’s top offices have openly campaigned for LGBT votes, many have long records — some positive, more negative — on issues that impact our community.

If you have questions about how candidates view LGBT rights, take a minute to read over the summaries to get a clear idea of their positions on the issues.

MORE INFO
Primary
Tuesday, July 20
Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• To find out where you vote: http://www.sos.georgia.gov/MVP/Login.aspx
• Early voting began June 7; check with your county for times and locations

Statewide Races

• Governor
• Lt. Governor

The two Democrats running for Lieutenant Governor — Tricia Carpenter McCracken and Carol Porter — also did not respond to LGBT candidate surveys and don’t have public records on LGBT issues. The winner faces Republican incumbent Casey Cagle in the general election.

• State School Superintendent
• Attorney General
• Secretary of State
• U.S. Senate

Neither of the two Democrats running for U.S. Senate — R.J. Hadley and Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond — responded to the Georgia Voice survey and little is known about their stands on LGBT issues. The winner will face incumbent Republican Johnny Isakson in November.

• Insurance Commissioner

Nine candidates are vying for the Republican nomination for Insurance Commissioner. As the crowded field almost assures a runoff for the GOP primary, the Georgia Voice will profile these candidates for the runoff. The winner will face Democrat Mary Squires on the November ballot

• Commissioner of Agriculture and Public Service Commission

Candidates for Commissioner of Agriculture and Public Service Commission District 2 are not included because LGBT groups have not endorsed in these races and gay issues do not figure prominently in their duties.

Gay Candidates

• Fulton County Commission District 6
• State House District 80

Other Races to Watch

• U.S. House District 4
• State Senate District 39: Sen. Vincent Fort vs. Graham Balch

LGBT Endorsements

Click here to see endorsements from Georgia Equality, Atlanta Stonewall Democrats and Georgia Log Cabin Republicans in contested primary races.