The race:
Georgia governor
Party:
Republican
The lane:
Burt Jones touts himself as being one of the first state lawmakers to support Donald Trump’s 2016 campagin, something that has gained him considerable loyalty from the president.
The basics:
Jones works with Jones Petroleum, his family’s business, and has served as lieutenant governor since 2023. He is the only statewide candidate that Trump has endorsed in Georgia’s 2026 elections. Before becoming lieutenant governor, Jones served 10 years in the Senate.
Why he’s running:
Jones has centered his campaign on pushing conservative policies, such as eliminating the state’s income tax and focusing on culture-war issues that have the support of Republican primary voters.
What’s working:
As the state’s second-in-command, Jones has held considerable power within Georgia politics. As lieutenant governor, Jones has pushed through legislation that requires transgender girls play sports according to the sex listed on their birth certificate and allows public school students to use vouchers to pay for private or home school.
The challenge:
Jones was seen as the presumable Republican nominee until businessman Rick Jackson entered the race. Since then, Jones has had to spend considerable amounts of money to fend off Jackson’s ad spend and challenges.
What to watch:
Can Jones withstand Jackson’s attacks and secure the nomination without a runoff? And will Trump’s endorsement be enough to take Jones across the finish line?
Campaign website: https://burtjonesforga.com/
