Overview of the 2018 Georgia Governor Election
The 2018 Georgia governor race was a high-profile contest decided on November 6, 2018, between incumbent Republican Brian Kemp and Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams. After election night, the race remained uncalled for hours due to a narrow margin and a large provisional ballot count. Official results were certified in early December, confirming Kemp as governor-elect. This overview outlines the campaign context, general election outcome, and post-election processes for future reference.
General Election Results
On November 6, 2018, Georgians voted in a competitive governor's race alongside other statewide offices. Initial returns showed a tight contest, with Kemp leading Abrams by a small margin. Due to provisional and absentee ballots still being counted, news organizations did not call the race on election night. The Georgia Secretary of State’s office oversaw the canvass and certification process. On November 16, the state declared Kemp the winner, and the results were officially certified in early December.
Official Certification Timeline
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 6, 2018 | General Election Day | Voting occurred statewide; initial returns too close to call immediately after polls closed |
| Nov 6–Nov 16, 2018 | Provisional and Absentee Count Period | Counting continued; outcome remained uncertain as ballots verified |
| Nov 16, 2018 | State Canvass and Winner Call | Georgia Secretary of State certified Kemp as the victor |
| Dec 2018 | Official Results Certification | Final certification by state election boards; results became part of the official record |
Candidates and Party Context
The race featured Republican Brian Kemp, then serving as Georgia Secretary of State, and Democrat Stacey Abrams, a former state House minority leader. Kemp’s campaign emphasized economic development and law-and-order policies, while Abrams focused on healthcare access, education funding, and voting access. Third-party and independent candidates appeared on the ballot but did not significantly alter the dynamics. Partisan polarization and high national attention shaped much of the discourse around the election.
Issues and Campaign Focus
- Healthcare: Medicaid expansion and access were central topics, with Abrams supporting expansion and Kemp emphasizing cost and implementation concerns.
- Voting and Elections: The race occurred amid debates over voter registration, purges, and provisional ballot handling, given Kemp’s role as Secretary of State.
- Economy and Education: Candidates presented plans for job growth, infrastructure, K–12 funding, and college affordability.
- Local Issues: Rural hospital closures, criminal justice policy, and development practices also influenced voter decisions.
Post-Election Developments
After certification, Stacey Abrams did not request a recount or contest the outcome through courts. She launched initiatives focused on voting rights and civic engagement, which extended national attention on Georgia’s election administration. Kemp assumed the governorship and served a full term, implementing policy priorities aligned with his campaign platform. The 2018 race became a reference point in subsequent elections and discussions about election administration in the state.
Key Takeaways
- The race was decided by a narrow margin after a multi-day count of provisional and absentee ballots.
- Official certification confirmed Kemp as the winner; Abrams conceded after results were finalized.
- Election administration, including the Secretary of State’s role, was a prominent issue during the campaign.
- Health policy, particularly Medicaid expansion, remained a core concern for many voters.
- The outcome affected state policy for years, influencing budget, education, and voting procedures.