NEWS
As part of its commitment to civic engagement, the Savannah Area Chamber will support Savannah gubernatorial forums during the 2026 election cycle.
Beginning Thursday, January 8, the Democratic Party of Chatham County hosts the Georgia Democratic Gubernatorial Forum—the first major forum of the year to bring together Democratic candidates seeking Georgia’s highest office.
The Republican forum will follow this spring, and a general election gubernatorial debate is planned for early fall 2026.
Airing live on WJCL 22 (ABC) from Jonesville Baptist Church, the forum offers voters across Coastal Georgia a rare opportunity to hear directly from the full Democratic field in an issue-focused discussion at the outset of the 2026 election cycle.
Moderated by WJCL 22 News Anchor Greg Coy, candidates will address key challenges facing Georgia, including housing affordability, workforce development, healthcare access, economic growth, and effective governance.
The live broadcast will reach tens of thousands of households across the region, with additional community-submitted questions featured on WJCL’s digital platforms following the broadcast. Hosting the forum underscores Savannah’s growing role as a civic and political hub in Coastal Georgia and its importance in shaping statewide outcomes.
The forum is part of the Savannah Debate Series, a multi-stage initiative designed to promote transparency, accessibility, and informed civic engagement. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the forum beginning at 6:30 p.m. Attendance is free and open to the public; advance RSVP is encouraged due to limited seating.
About the Savannah Debate Series
The Savannah Debate Series is a three-part civic forum initiative focused on Georgia’s 2026 gubernatorial election. The series is hosted by the Democratic Party of Chatham County, the Chatham County Republican Party, the Greater Savannah Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, with each organization leading one stage of the election cycle.
The series includes the Georgia Democratic Gubernatorial Forum on January 8, 2026; a Republican Gubernatorial Forum scheduled for early Spring 2026; and a general election gubernatorial debate planned for early Fall 2026.
Together, these events aim to provide voters with direct, issue-focused access to candidates while enhancing Savannah’s reputation as a premier venue for statewide political dialogue and civic engagement.
