ATLANTA — State Senator Josh McLaurin of Georgia has announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor in the 2026 elections. A Democrat, McLaurin plans to focus his campaign on opposing the policies of former President Donald Trump.
The current Republican lieutenant governor, Burt Jones, is anticipated to run for governor in the upcoming year and might declare his intentions soon.
McLaurin, representing Sandy Springs, held a news conference in Savannah on Monday where he discussed potential threats to Georgia’s significant port, tying these concerns to Trump’s trade tariff policies. “Georgia needs to oppose Trump’s authoritarian agenda at every turn,” McLaurin stated. He also mentioned the need for the Georgia legislature to approve popular policies that have been traditionally blocked by Republicans, such as expanding Medicaid, reinstating reproductive rights, and implementing gun safety laws.
A Yale Law School graduate, McLaurin once shared living quarters with JD Vance, who is now the Vice President. McLaurin started his political career in the Georgia House in 2018 and joined the state Senate in 2022. He is known for his outspoken criticism of Republican strategies, frequently targeting what he considers misguided initiatives, including delivering frequent critiques, sometimes labeled as “Trump Morning News,” during the 2025 legislative session.
Although the lieutenant governor role presides over Senate meetings, the extent of power and influence is determined by the senators. Despite the probability of Republicans maintaining their majority in the 2026 elections, McLaurin believes that having the post would allow him to influence the Senate’s approach and shed light on extremist Republican policies.
On the Republican front, Blake Tillery, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and hailing from Vidalia, has already announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor. Others, such as Senate President Pro Tem John Kennedy and Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch, are expected to enter the GOP race. Additionally, state Senator Greg Dolezal from Cumming might also consider running.