Rep. Lucy McBath (D-Ga.) is pausing her exploratory bid for Georgia governor, citing her husband's ongoing cancer battle.
"I’m so grateful for everyone who has stood by my family as we undergo this arduous period," McBath said in a statement to The Hill. "I will be spending some time focusing on my husband’s health, and I cannot make a decision to run for governor or not at this moment."
A campaign spokesperson told The Hill that McBath has not entirely ruled out a 2026 gubernatorial bid, and she does not plan to step down from Congress, where she's serving her fourth term.
McBath told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that it was a "really difficult decision to make."
"And right now I can’t make the decision on whether or not to run for governor,” McBath added. “I’ve always said my priorities should be where I’m supposed to be. And that’s helping my husband.”
McBath told the Journal-Constitution that her husband, Curtis McBath, suffered complications from recent cancer surgery.
"His road to ultimate health is going to be a little longer and more difficult than we thought," she said. “Right now, I have to organically look at everything and make sure I’m where I’m most needed."
McBath has been a vocal advocate for gun laws after her 17-year-old son, Jordan Davis, was murdered outside a Florida gas station in 2012 during a disagreement over loud music. His killer, Michael David Dunn, who was 45 at the time, was convicted and sentenced to life behind bars for the deadly shooting.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) cannot seek reelection because of term limits. Republican Attorney General Chris Carr launched his campaign for governor in November, and other Georgia Republicans, including Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green, have expressed interest.
Democrats reportedly mulling a run include Stacey Abrams, who lost to Kemp in 2018 and 2022; former Atlanta Mayor Kesha Lance Bottoms; and former state Sen. Jason Carter, the grandson of former President Carter.