HBCU alumnus Rev. Olujimi (Olu) Brown says he believes it’s time for a change – so he’s running for Georgia governor in 2026.

“I believe it’s time for a new face, a new voice and a new generation of leadership in Georgia who listens,” said Brown.

The 47-year-old Jarvis Christian University alum, however, is running as a Democratic candidate in a Republican-led state, which is an obstacle he is going to have to overcome to win. He is also up against multiple Democratic governor hopefuls who are very likely to garner large sums of money for their campaigns.

Georgia continues to be a red state, and the state has not elected a Democratic candidate to serve as governor since 1999.

Brown is a United Methodist Pastor, leadership consultant and author. He is the founder and former lead pastor of Impact United Methodist Church in East Point, GA.

“As a person and as a pastor, I’m comfortable being in situations with people who believe and feel differently than I do, and finding common ground,” said Brown on social media.

Although he is running against tough competition, including state Sen. Jason Carter and DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Michael Thurmond, Brown remains determined. Despite the fact that his name isn’t widely-known, he will push his campaign through direct interaction with Georgia residents regardless of political alignment with his platform that prioritizes children, community safety, career readiness and employment opportunities.

“Whether it’s a town of 600 people or a metropolitan place with six million people, your voice matters,” said Brown, “As a candidate for governor, I will always listen … I will listen and I do care.”

Brown graduated from Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas, and earned his master of divinity degree from Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta.

The Impact United Methodist Church saw much success under Olu’s leadership. The church attracted over five thousand online viewers, earning the fifth spot on the 2018 edition of the 25 Fastest Growing Large United Methodist Churches. Additionally, the church’s budget has grown to $4 million.