Incumbent Republican senator Saxby Chambliss chose to retire rather than run for re-election to a third term in office.

Deal was challenged in the Republican primary by State Superintendent of Schools John Barge[14] and Dalton Mayor David Pennington.

Connie Stokes, a former DeKalb County Commissioner, former state senator and candidate for Georgia's 4th congressional district in 2004 and 2010 was the Democratic nominee and was unopposed in her primary election.

[39] Incumbent Republican Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black ran for re-election to a second term in office.

[44] Incumbent Republican Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire Ralph Hudgens ran for re-election to a second term in office.

[46] Incumbent Republican Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler ran for re-election to a second term in office.

[38] Incumbent Republican State Superintendent of Schools John Barge did not run for re-election to a second term in office.

District 4 incumbent Republican Lauren McDonald ran for re-election to a second consecutive and third overall term in office.

[66] Business manager and candidate for the State House of Representatives in 2008 Daniel Blackman was unopposed for the Democratic nomination in District 4.

He was opposed in the Republican primary by attorney Doug Kidd[67] and insurance agent and Hall County Commissioner Craig Lutz.