A close race for governor in Georgia could trigger the state’s new automatic recount law, which will be in effect for the first time during the 2026 elections. Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, and Sabato’s Crystal Ball have all classified the 2026 gubernatorial race as a toss-up.
Under SB 3EX, which was enacted in June, the secretary of state must automatically order a manual recount in the first or second state executive races listed on the ballot if the margin separating the top two candidates is less than or equal to 0.5%. The first and second state executive races in 2026 are governor and lieutenant governor.
A recount must be ordered within two days of the results being certified. There is no deadline in state law for completing the recount, but counties must finish a recount within 17 days of when it was ordered to be eligible for reimbursement of their costs.
