JAMES Magazine Online: Burt Jones Officially Launches Campaign for Governor

Cindy Morley

Thursday, July 10th, 2025

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And then there were two (Republicans) – officially. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones posted a video announcement on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook Tuesday making officials what most had suspected – he is running for governor of Georgia in the 2026 midterm elections. He will face off against Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr in the Republican primary.

In the video, Jones lays out three campaign promises to the voters of Georgia – to eliminate the state income tax, increase penalties for fentanyl dealers to end the fentanyl nightmare in Georgia, and keep the ban on biological boys playing in girls’ sports.

“I don’t back down from tough fights — I step up to deliver results — and that’s exactly what I’ll continue doing as Governor,” says Jones. “Whether it’s supporting law enforcement, defending rural Georgia, or building a stronger workforce, I’m committed to putting Georgians first.”

The video highlights accomplishments made during Jones’ term as Lt. Governor – “bringing real conservative leadership to Georgia, has protected our freedoms, our values and our families.” Jones says he sees Georgia as a place where families have prospered, where businesses are moving to and growing, a Georgia where families are safer thanks to tougher crime laws and schools strengthened thanks to empowering parents’ rights.

“Georgia deserves a bold, unapologetic and proven common-sense leader who will continue delivering real results for families and businesses across the state and that’s why I am proud to be running to be the next Governor of Georgia.”

“What do I call all that we’ve accomplished together? Just a start,” Jones said in the video.

Jones has been a strong supporter of President Donald Trump since the president’s first campaign, and he talks about that in the video announcement. “I’ve also fought to deliver President Trump’s agenda here in Georgia from day one — and even took arrows from the radical left for doing it,” he said.

Jones’ campaign says he already has $14 million on hand. Carr announced earlier this week he has raised nearly $3.5 million since entering the race. Republican Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s camp says she has not ruled out running and Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has also hinted that he is considering a run for governor or U.S. Senate.