News Summary
Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones has launched his candidacy for Georgia’s 2026 gubernatorial race, backed by a substantial campaign fund of $14 million. His entry has ignited controversy, with opponents accusing him of attempting to ‘buy’ the governorship. With a focus on educational reforms and alliances with key political figures, including former President Trump, Jones is set to face competition from both Republican and Democratic candidates. The evolving political landscape hints at a highly competitive election cycle ahead in Georgia.
Atlanta – Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones has officially announced his candidacy for the state’s gubernatorial race set for 2026. With a significant campaign fund of approximately $14 million, which includes $10 million of his own money, Jones enters the race as a prominent candidate against Attorney General Chris Carr, who has raised $3.5 million to date.
Jones’s entry into the race has already sparked controversy, with Carr’s campaign suggesting that Jones is attempting to “buy” the governorship due to his substantial self-funding. Despite the criticism, Jones’s financial backing sets him apart in a field that is expected to be competitive among Republican candidates.
Having served over a decade in the Georgia Senate prior to his election as lieutenant governor in 2022, Jones is recognized for his commitment to educational reforms. He spearheaded the Georgia Promise Scholarship, a program designed to offer school vouchers to families in underperforming school districts. His campaign indicates plans to expand voucher eligibility, boost funding for struggling public schools, and continue income tax reductions if he wins the governorship.
Jones is also closely aligned with former President Donald Trump, having actively campaigned for Trump in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 elections. He is expected to seek Trump’s endorsement as he progresses in his gubernatorial campaign. Along with Carr, both candidates have the support of current Governor Brian Kemp, who enjoys a strong following among Georgia Republicans.
On the Democratic side, the gubernatorial race is gaining traction with several candidates declaring their intentions to run. These individuals include State Senator Jason Esteves, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, State Representative Derrick Jackson, and Pastor Olu Brown. This growing list of candidates indicates a lively primary season ahead.
Jones has expressed his willingness to face competition in the primaries, including the potential challenge from Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. Furthermore, he recently released an announcement video that outlines his vision for Georgia, where he advocates for a “bold, unapologetic” leadership approach.
In his platform, Jones has pledged to eliminate the state income tax, address the fentanyl crisis, and restrict transgender girls from participating in girls’ sports. These initiatives highlight the key issues that he plans to focus on during his campaign, aiming to resonate with a wide voter base.
The Democratic Governors Association has responded to the emergence of GOP candidates, raising concerns about extremist views and potential policies that could affect the broader community. This response underscores the ongoing division and scrutiny within political circles as candidates gear up for an impactful election cycle.
Jones’s political career has not been without its controversies. He faced significant backlash due to his involvement as one of the alternate electors amidst attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. In light of these issues, Jones defended his financial investment in his gubernatorial campaign, arguing that it signals to potential supporters his deep commitment to the race.
His legislative experience includes backing significant measures, such as a recent bill that allows legislators a veto over substantial executive regulatory actions. Moreover, potential competitors for the Republican nomination could include Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who has experienced divisions within the party due to his roles during the aftermath of the 2020 election.
As the race unfolds, the landscape for both parties remains dynamic, with official qualifying periods for candidates set to begin in the spring. With both the Republican and Democratic fields likely to evolve further, the 2026 gubernatorial election is positioned to be a closely watched event in Georgia’s political arena.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Derrick Jackson Launches Campaign for Georgia Governor
Keisha Lance Bottoms Announces Gubernatorial Bid
Keisha Lance Bottoms Considers Run for Georgia Governor
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Burt Jones (politician)
- Georgia Recorder
- Google Search: Burt Jones Georgia
- WSB TV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgia
- WALB News
- Google News: Georgia 2026 Governors Race
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
