Savannah to Host First Televised Democratic Gubernatorial Forum of 2026
Election Cycle
SAVANNAH, GA – Savannah will take center stage in Georgia politics on Thursday, January 8,
2026, as 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.
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 a
substantive, issue-focused setting at the outset of the 2026 election cycle.
Moderated by Greg Coy, WJCL 22 News Anchor, the forum is designed to prioritize
governance, leadership, and vision, not theatrics. Candidates will address critical issues facing
Georgia, including housing affordability, workforce development, healthcare access, economic
growth, and governing the state 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 will reach tens of thousands of households across the region, with
additional community-sourced questions featured immediately following the broadcast on
WJCL’s digital platforms. This structure ensures that candidates’ closing statements reach the
widest possible audience, while also creating space for deeper engagement with local voter
concerns.
Savannah’s role as host underscores the city’s growing importance as a civic and political hub
outside Metro Atlanta. As the largest Democratic electorate in Coastal Georgia, the region plays
a critical role in shaping statewide outcomes, yet is often underrepresented in early campaign
conversations.
The forum is part of the Savannah Debate Series, a multi-stage initiative bringing gubernatorial
candidates directly to voters ahead of the 2026 election. The series emphasizes transparency,
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accessibility, and civic education, reinforcing Savannah’s
longstanding reputation as a place where serious public dialogue
happens.
Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the forum beginning at 6:30 PM. Attendance is free and open to
the public, with advance RSVP encouraged due to limited seating.
For more information, media inquiries, or credential requests, contact Orlando Scott at
opscott70@gmail.com.
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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 are designed
to provide voters with direct, issue-focused access to candidates while elevating Savannah’s
role as a leading venue for statewide political dialogue and civic engagement.