Savannah to host first televised Democratic gubernatorial forum of 2026

SAVANAH, GA – Savannah will take center stage in Georgia politics on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, as the Democratic Party of Chatham County hosts the Georgia Democratic Gubernatorial Forum, the first major forum of the election cycle featuring Democratic candidates seeking the state’s highest office.

There are eleven declared Democratic candidates vying for Georgia’s top elected office. As of Tuesday, Dec. 30, the Georgia Campaign Finance System lists the following declared Democratic candidates:

Akhenaten Hotep Amun

Keisha Lance Bottoms

Olujimi Wesley Brown

Geoff Duncan

Jason Esteves

Derrick Lamarr Jackson

Lucy McBath

Justin Dekota Laster

Michael Thurmond

Benjamin Turner

Ocean Zotique

The forum will air live on WJCL 22 (ABC) from Jonesville Baptist Church, giving voters across Coastal Georgia an early opportunity to hear directly from the full Democratic field in a substantive, issue-focused setting. The event will be moderated by WJCL 22 News Anchor Greg Coy and is designed to emphasize leadership, governance, and long-term vision rather than political theatrics.

During the broadcast, candidates are expected to address key issues facing Georgia, including housing affordability, workforce development, access to healthcare, economic growth, and the challenges of governing amid evolving federal dynamics.

“This forum is about giving voters real access to the people who want to lead Georgia,” said Orlando Scott, communications chair for the Democratic Party of Chatham County. “By hosting this event in Savannah and broadcasting it live, we are making it clear that Coastal Georgia’s voices, concerns, and priorities matter in this race.”

The live television broadcast is expected to reach tens of thousands of households throughout the region. Following the forum, WJCL will feature additional community-submitted questions on its digital platforms, creating opportunities for deeper engagement and allowing candidates’ closing messages to reach a wider audience.

Savannah’s selection as host highlights the city’s growing role as a civic and political hub outside of Metro Atlanta. As home to the largest Democratic electorate in Coastal Georgia, the region plays a significant role in statewide elections but is often overlooked during the early stages of gubernatorial campaigns.

The forum is part of the Savannah Debate Series, a multi-stage initiative aimed at connecting gubernatorial candidates directly with voters ahead of the 2026 election. The series emphasizes transparency, accessibility, and civic education, reinforcing Savannah’s reputation as a venue for meaningful public dialogue.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the forum scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.