Votewiser 119th Congress News Hub
Portrait of Earl Carter

Represented by · Republican

Earl Carter

Image for Victorious Jim Kingston awaits November opponent

Victorious Jim Kingston awaits November opponent

The Current · May 20, 2026

Thanks to a massive fundraising advantage, President Trump’s endorsement, and his well-known last name, Jim Kingston was expected to be the top vote-getter in the Republican primary race to become Coastal Georgia’s next congressman.

Browse 2026 Elections: Candidate lists, news Stories on projects, policy, legislation

The only question was whether he would win enough votes Tuesday to avoid a runoff. He did, picking up 52.7% of the more than 70,000 votes cast, followed by former Chatham County Commissioner Patrick Farrell with 17.25% and Appling County’s Kandiss Taylor with 12.5% in the six-candidate field.

The 35-year-old son of longtime U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston will now face either Joyce Griggs or Amanda Hollowell in the open race to succeed six-term U.S. Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter. The congressman from St. Simons rejected what likely would have been seventh House term in favor of a bid for the U.S. Senate, which fell short Tuesday.

Kingston will be heavily favored no matter who he faces …