Democratic Georgia State Senator Josh McLaurin has announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor in the 2026 election, emphasizing his intent to oppose the policies of President Donald Trump as a central theme of his campaign. This announcement comes amid expectations that the current Republican Lieutenant Governor, Burt Jones, will pursue a gubernatorial bid next year, with an official announcement possibly forthcoming in the near future.
McLaurin, hailing from Sandy Springs, highlighted the potential threats posed by Trump’s tariff policies to Georgia’s largest port during a news conference held in Savannah. He advocated for Georgia to actively resist what he termed Trump’s “authoritarian agenda” and pushed for the state legislature to enact policies that have been stalled by Republicans. These include Medicaid expansion, the restoration of reproductive rights, and sensible gun safety measures.
McLaurin, who previously shared a room with current Vice President JD Vance at Yale Law School, began his political career in the Georgia House in 2018 before advancing to the state Senate in 2022. Throughout his tenure, he has been a vocal critic of Republican policies, often delivering speeches critical of the Trump administration during the 2025 legislative session.
In Georgia, the lieutenant governor oversees Senate sessions, although the extent of their power is determined by the senators themselves. Despite the anticipated Republican majority following the 2026 elections, McLaurin expressed his belief that the lieutenant governor role could be instrumental in altering the Senate’s tone and scrutinizing extremist policies favored by the Republican party.
On the Republican side, several candidates have emerged for the lieutenant governor race. Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Blake Tillery from Vidalia has declared his candidacy, with Senate President Pro Tem John Kennedy of Macon and Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch of Dahlonega also expected to enter the contest. Additional Republican contenders may include State Senator Greg Dolezal from Cumming.
