Overview
The 2018 Georgia gubernatorial election determined the state’s next governor after incumbent Nathan Deal was term-limited. Held on November 6, 2018, the race featured Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams and Republican nominee Brian Kemp. The election resulted in a narrow victory for Brian Kemp, who was certified as winner after a contested post-election period. This profile summarizes candidates, results, timelines, and verifiable details for long-term reference.
Candidates and Nomination Path
In the November 2018 general election, Brian Kemp (Republican) faced Stacey Abrams (Democratic). Kemp secured the Republican nomination after serving as Georgia Secretary of State. Abrams, a former state House minority leader, captured the Democratic nomination in a contested primary. Third-party and independent candidates appeared on the ballot but held limited impact on the statewide outcome.
Election Day and Immediate Results
On November 6, 2018, polls closed at 7:00 p.m. local time. Initial returns showed Kemp with a lead, but the margin was narrow enough to trigger an automatic recount under Georgia law for races decided by less than 0.5%. The stated margin remained above 0.5% after the recount, and Kemp was declared the apparent winner on election night and in the following days.
Key Figures and Certification Timeline
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| November 6, 2018 | General Election Day | Voting concluded; initial results showed Kemp leading |
| November 16, 2018 | Automatic Recount Triggered and Completed | Rechecked ballots; margin held above threshold |
| November 28, 2018 | State Canvassing Board Certification | Official certification of results |
| December 1, 2018 | Call for Election Results by Associated Press | News organizations formally called the race for Kemp |
| January 14, 2019 | Inauguration | Brian Kemp sworn in as Governor of Georgia |
Votes Cast and Official Outcome
According to the state canvass, Brian Kemp received approximately 1,902,399 votes (50.2%) and Stacey Abrams received about 1,877,963 votes (49.5%) out of roughly 3.9 million ballots cast. The officially certified margin was about 23,169 votes. No candidate reached the threshold to avoid certification or trigger a runoff under Georgia election law.
Post-Election Developments and Context
After certification, the election remained subject to legal and administrative disputes regarding ballot handling, voter access, and the Secretary of State’s dual role during the campaign. These issues fueled ongoing debate about election administration but did not change the certified outcome. The 2018 race is frequently referenced in discussions about voting rights, election integrity, and Georgia’s shifting electorate, with its results and processes continuing to inform policy and reform proposals.
Notable Details and Takeaways
- Incumbent Nathan Deal was term-limited and could not seek a third consecutive term.
- The election occurred alongside concurrent U.S. Senate and statewide races.
- The narrow margin led to a recount, certified by the state canvassing board.
- Subsequent investigations and audits did not alter the certified results.
- The race is a key reference point for understanding Georgia’s evolving electoral landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2018 Georgia governor election? Brian Kemp (R) won the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial election and was certified as the winner after the state canvassing board finalized results in late November 2018.
Was the 2018 Georgia election certified? Yes. The State Canvassing Board certified the results on November 28, 2018, and the outcome was upheld through post-election reviews.
Did a recount change the 2018 Georgia governor race outcome? No. The recount confirmed Brian Kemp’s lead above the threshold; the results remained unchanged.
What was the voter turnout in Georgia in 2018? Approximately 3.9 million ballots were cast in the 2018 general election in Georgia, reflecting heightened engagement relative to prior midterms.