Georgia state Sen. Bill Cowsert from Athens has declared his intent to run for the position of state attorney general, becoming the second Republican candidate to announce their candidacy. This comes as the current Republican Attorney General, Chris Carr, plans to pursue a gubernatorial bid in 2026, leaving the attorney general seat vacant. Another contender for the role, State Sen. Brian Strickland of McDonough, has already entered the race. Thus far, no Democratic candidates have declared their candidacy.
Cowsert, who has been a Senate member since 2007, represents regions within Athens-Clarke, Oconee, Walton, Barrow, and Gwinnett counties. As Gov. Brian Kemp’s brother-in-law, Cowsert served a four-year term as Senate majority leader from 2014 to 2018. In his campaign announcement, Cowsert took a firm partisan stance. While the attorney general’s role has traditionally been to represent the state in legal matters, its responsibilities have expanded to include significant criminal prosecution powers. Cowsert is committed to combating gangs and human trafficking if elected.
“I foresee a Georgia where families are secure, and illegal immigrants, sex traffickers, violent gangs, and fentanyl distributors are deterred from entering the state,” Cowsert stated in his campaign announcement.
Additionally, Cowsert highlighted his leadership of a state Senate committee that has been attempting to compel Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to testify regarding her investigation and legal action against President Donald Trump and others. Despite the committee’s efforts, little new information about Willis or her hiring of special prosecutor Nathan Wade, with whom she had a personal relationship, has been uncovered. At least nine of Georgia’s 56 state senators are exploring higher office prospects as the 2026 elections approach.