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Georgia's 12th Congressional District election, 2026
← 2024
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Georgia's 12th Congressional District |
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General election |
Election details |
Filing deadline: March 6, 2026 |
Primary: May 19, 2026 Primary runoff: June 16, 2026 General: November 3, 2026 |
How to vote |
Poll times:
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
Race ratings |
DDHQ and The Hill: Pending Inside Elections: Solid Republican Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe Republican |
Ballotpedia analysis |
U.S. Senate battlegrounds U.S. House battlegrounds Federal and state primary competitiveness Ballotpedia's Election Analysis Hub, 2026 |
See also |
U.S. Senate • 1st • 2nd • 3rd • 4th • 5th • 6th • 7th • 8th • 9th • 10th • 11th • 12th • 13th • 14th Georgia elections, 2026 U.S. Congress elections, 2026 U.S. Senate elections, 2026 U.S. House elections, 2026 |
All U.S. House districts, including the 12th Congressional District of Georgia, are holding elections in 2026. The general election is November 3, 2026. To learn more about other elections on the ballot, click here.
Candidates and election results
Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:
- Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
- Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House Georgia District 12
Ceretta Smith, Chris Stephens, Brianna Woodson, and Tori Branum are running in the general election for U.S. House Georgia District 12 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
![]() | Ceretta Smith (D) ![]() | |
![]() | Chris Stephens (D) ![]() | |
Brianna Woodson (D) | ||
![]() | Tori Branum (R) |
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Candidate profiles
This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "Ceretta Smith is a proud U.S. Army Veteran, wife, mother, grandmother, faith leader, small business owner, and dedicated public servant. For the past twenty years, she has called Grovetown home, where she lives with her husband, Retired Sergeant First Class Sterling Vandolph Smith. Her life has been defined by service—first to her country, then to working families, and now to her community. Ceretta served nearly a decade as an Army medic, caring for soldiers in hospitals, clinics, and in the field while stationed in Germany. After her military service, she continued serving the nation for twenty-five years as a federal employee, where she became a strong advocate for labor, civil, and human rights. She rose through leadership ranks in the American Federation of Government Employees—the largest federal government union in the country—serving as Women’s and Fair Practices Coordinator, Chief Steward, Legislative Political Coordinator, Local President, Georgia State Council President, and ultimately National Fair Practices Coordinator. As a Councilwoman in the City of Grovetown, Ceretta has been a hands-on leader who puts people first. She championed a citywide Literacy Initiative, distributing hundreds of books, reading to children about municipal government, and helping an after school program publish a children’s book. She has also completed hundreds of hours of municipal government training, ensuring she is well-prepared to serve her constituents effectively and responsibly"
Party: Democratic Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "I was born and raised in Loris, South Carolina, where my parents worked hard to provide for me and my sister — my father as a diesel mechanic and my mother as a factory worker who went on to achieve her dream of becoming a nurse. Like so many in our district, I grew up in a working-class household that taught me the value of hard work, fairness, and treating people with dignity. At 16, I joined the police explorers program, and by 18, I was serving as an emergency dispatcher. At 21, I became a police officer — a role I held for 15 years. I know what it means to stand on the front lines, to listen when people are at their most vulnerable, and to serve with integrity. Service has always been at the center of my life. I led an LGBTQ+ community center that provided support, resources, and a safe place for people and their families. I also built a small business from the ground up while working full time and earning an associate degree in criminal justice, a bachelor’s in political science, and a master’s in public administration. I’m running for Congress because I believe every person deserves a fair shot — to work, to raise a family, to live with dignity. My campaign is built on three principles: Community, Fairness, and Dignity. Those aren’t just words. They’re the values I’ve lived by my entire life. And that’s the kind of leadership I’ll take to Congress. I’m not a career politician. I’m a career public servant."
Voting information
- See also: Voting in Georgia
Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Survey responses from candidates in this race
Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
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Ceretta Smith (D)
The heart of our campaign is economic opportunity—creating good-paying jobs, lowering costs, supporting small businesses and family farmers, and protecting Social Security and Medicare so hardworking Georgians can thrive from paycheck to retirement.
From improving access to affordable healthcare and education to ensuring veterans and rural communities get the resources they deserve, I will fight every day for fairness, opportunity, and dignity for all who call Georgia’s 12th District home.

Chris Stephens (D)
As your Congressman, I’ll fight to make sure GA-12 gets its fair share of resources and investment.
Fairness is dignity in action —
and it’s how we make sure every family in GA-12 gets a fair shot.
Fairness means that if you work hard, you ought to be able to support your family. It means our veterans shouldn’t have to fight the VA to get the benefits they’ve earned. It means your zip code shouldn’t determine your access to healthcare, good schools, or job opportunities. As your Congressman, I’ll fight for fairness by:
Raising wages and lowering costs
I’ll fight for policies that help working families — from raising wages to lowering the cost of prescription drugs and utilities.
Tax fairness
I’ll work toward a tax system where corporations and the wealthiest pay their share, so working families and small businesses aren’t carrying
Dignity
Every person deserves to live with dignity. No matter who you are, where you come from, or what stage of life you’re in, you should be treated with respect and valued for your contribution to our community.
For me, dignity means respect in action. It means making sure seniors can retire without fear, veterans get the care they earned, and working families don’t have to sacrifice their health or their children’s future just to get by.
Ceretta Smith (D)

Chris Stephens (D)

Ceretta Smith (D)

Ceretta Smith (D)

Chris Stephens (D)

Ceretta Smith (D)
A representative must also provide oversight to ensure taxpayer dollars are used wisely, protect the rights and freedoms of all citizens, and support policies that strengthen the economy, healthcare, education, and national security.
As someone who has served in the U.S. Army, worked in government, and led in my community, I believe this office carries a sacred trust—to serve the people with honor, transparency, and a commitment to results over rhetoric.
Chris Stephens (D)

Ceretta Smith (D)

Chris Stephens (D)

Ceretta Smith (D)

Ceretta Smith (D)

Ceretta Smith (D)

Ceretta Smith (D)

Ceretta Smith (D)

Ceretta Smith (D)
The House is designed to reflect the diverse voices, values, and experiences that make up our nation. It is where ideas are debated, oversight is exercised, and laws begin that impact the everyday lives of Americans.
As the People’s House, it embodies the spirit of democracy—government of, by, and for the people—and serves as a vital check to ensure that power remains in the hands of those it represents: the American people.
Ceretta Smith (D)

Ceretta Smith (D)
We are witnessing the unraveling of civility, integrity, and respect for truth—the very fabric that holds our democracy together. If we lose faith in our institutions and in each other, we risk losing the America that so many have fought and sacrificed to protect.
As a veteran, minister, and public servant, I believe we must restore integrity in leadership, rebuild respect for truth, and recommit to the idea that we are one nation, united in purpose, even when we disagree. Our democracy can endure, but only if we choose to defend it together.
Chris Stephens (D)

Ceretta Smith (D)

Ceretta Smith (D)

Ceretta Smith (D)

Ceretta Smith (D)

Ceretta Smith (D)
You can ask candidates in this race to fill out the survey by clicking their names below:
Campaign finance
Name | Party | Receipts* | Disbursements** | Cash on hand | Date |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ceretta Smith | Democratic Party | $3,095 | $0 | $3,095 | As of September 30, 2025 |
Chris Stephens | Democratic Party | $4,457 | $1,139 | $3,318 | As of September 30, 2025 |
Brianna Woodson | Democratic Party | $0 | $0 | $0 | Data not available*** |
Tori Branum | Republican Party | $6,576 | $5,799 | $753 | As of September 30, 2025 |
Source: Federal Elections Commission, "Campaign finance data," 2026. This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* According to the FEC, "Receipts are anything of value (money, goods, services or property) received by a political committee." |
General election race ratings
- See also: Race rating definitions and methods
Ballotpedia provides race ratings from four outlets: The Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, and DDHQ/The Hill. Each race rating indicates if one party is perceived to have an advantage in the race and, if so, the degree of advantage:
- Safe and Solid ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge and the race is not competitive.
- Likely ratings indicate that one party has a clear edge, but an upset is possible.
- Lean ratings indicate that one party has a small edge, but the race is competitive.[1]
- Toss-up ratings indicate that neither party has an advantage.
Race ratings are informed by a number of factors, including polling, candidate quality, and election result history in the race's district or state.[2][3][4]
Race ratings: Georgia's 12th Congressional District election, 2026 | |||||||||
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Race tracker | Race ratings | ||||||||
10/21/2025 | 10/14/2025 | 10/7/2025 | 9/30/2025 | ||||||
The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | |||||
Decision Desk HQ and The Hill | Pending | Pending | Pending | Pending | |||||
Inside Elections with Nathan L. Gonzales | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | Solid Republican | |||||
Larry J. Sabato's Crystal Ball | Safe Republican | Safe Republican | Safe Republican | Safe Republican | |||||
Note: Ballotpedia reviews external race ratings every week throughout the election season and posts weekly updates even if the media outlets have not revised their ratings during that week. |
Ballot access
This section will contain information on ballot access related to this state's elections when it is available.
District history
The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2020.
2024
See also: Georgia's 12th Congressional District election, 2024
Georgia's 12th Congressional District election, 2024 (May 21 Democratic primary)
Georgia's 12th Congressional District election, 2024 (May 21 Republican primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House Georgia District 12
Incumbent Rick Allen defeated Liz Johnson in the general election for U.S. House Georgia District 12 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Rick Allen (R) | 60.3 | 205,849 |
![]() | Liz Johnson (D) | 39.7 | 135,417 |
Total votes: 341,266 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Georgia District 12
Liz Johnson defeated Daniel Jackson in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Georgia District 12 on May 21, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Liz Johnson | 59.0 | 23,358 |
Daniel Jackson ![]() | 41.0 | 16,238 |
Total votes: 39,596 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Dennis Myers (D)
- Rashaad Jones (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Georgia District 12
Incumbent Rick Allen advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Georgia District 12 on May 21, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Rick Allen | 100.0 | 49,806 |
Total votes: 49,806 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. |
2022
General election
General election for U.S. House Georgia District 12
Incumbent Rick Allen defeated Liz Johnson in the general election for U.S. House Georgia District 12 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Rick Allen (R) | 59.6 | 158,047 |
![]() | Liz Johnson (D) | 40.4 | 107,148 |
Total votes: 265,195 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. |
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Georgia District 12
Liz Johnson advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Georgia District 12 on May 24, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Liz Johnson | 100.0 | 44,537 |
Total votes: 44,537 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Georgia District 12
Incumbent Rick Allen advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Georgia District 12 on May 24, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Rick Allen | 100.0 | 81,151 |
Total votes: 81,151 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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2020
General election
General election for U.S. House Georgia District 12
Incumbent Rick Allen defeated Liz Johnson in the general election for U.S. House Georgia District 12 on November 3, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Rick Allen (R) | 58.4 | 181,038 |
![]() | Liz Johnson (D) ![]() | 41.6 | 129,061 |
Total votes: 310,099 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Donald Keller (Independent)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. House Georgia District 12
Liz Johnson defeated Dan Steiner in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Georgia District 12 on June 9, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Liz Johnson ![]() | 83.6 | 48,685 |
Dan Steiner | 16.4 | 9,525 |
Total votes: 58,210 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. |
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. House Georgia District 12
Incumbent Rick Allen advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House Georgia District 12 on June 9, 2020.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Rick Allen | 100.0 | 74,520 |
Total votes: 74,520 | ||||
![]() | ||||
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. |
District analysis
This section will contain facts and figures related to this district's elections when those are available.
See also
Georgia | 2026 primaries | 2026 U.S. Congress elections |
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Voting in Georgia Georgia elections: 2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 |
Republican primary battlegrounds U.S. Senate Democratic primaries U.S. Senate Republican primaries U.S. House Democratic primaries U.S. House Republican primaries |
U.S. Senate elections U.S. House elections Special elections Ballot access |
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Inside Elections also uses Tilt ratings to indicate an even smaller advantage and greater competitiveness.
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Nathan Gonzalez," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Kyle Kondik," April 19, 2018
- ↑ Amee LaTour, "Email correspondence with Charlie Cook," April 22, 2018