Trump's Endorsement Shakes Up Georgia's GOP Primary
President Donald Trump has made a significant move in Georgia's political landscape by endorsing Lt. Gov. Burt Jones for the state's gubernatorial race in 2026. The endorsement, announced on August 11, positions Jones as a frontrunner in what is expected to be a competitive Republican primary. Trump's backing comes as Jones seeks to succeed term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp, with whom Trump has had a strained relationship over the years.
Trump praised Jones for his long-standing loyalty, noting that the lieutenant governor was among the first Georgia Republicans to support Trump's initial presidential bid in 2016. 'He has been with us from the very beginning,' Trump stated on social media. He further lauded Jones as a 'WARRIOR' and highlighted his past as a successful businessman and SEC Championship-winning football player for the University of Georgia Bulldogs, emphasizing his toughness and leadership qualities.
Jones' Campaign Gains Momentum with Trump's Backing
With Trump's endorsement, Burt Jones' campaign has received a substantial boost, especially as he faces off against other prominent Republicans like state Attorney General Chris Carr. Jones, who has already amassed $14 million in campaign funds, is positioning himself as a staunch supporter of Trump's agenda, focusing on issues like election integrity, lower taxes, and preserving Georgia values. 'We're fighting for election integrity, lower taxes, and to secure Georgia values — and with Trump's support, we're just getting started,' Jones wrote online following the endorsement.
The lieutenant governor's alignment with Trump dates back nearly a decade, having served as a state co-chair during Trump's first presidential campaign. Trump's statement underscored this history, saying, 'Burt Jones for Governor has my Complete and Total Endorsement – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!' This strong support could sway Republican voters in a state that Trump flipped red in the last election, giving Jones an edge in the primary race.
Other potential Republican contenders, such as Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, may also enter the race, but Trump's early endorsement of Jones sets a high bar. Political observers note that this move could deepen divisions within the Georgia GOP, especially given Trump's rocky relationship with current Gov. Kemp, who has faced criticism from Trump in the past.
Implications for Georgia's Political Future
The 2026 gubernatorial race in Georgia is shaping up to be a critical battleground, with Democrats also eyeing the seat as an opportunity to reclaim power in the state. Trump's endorsement of Jones not only strengthens the lieutenant governor's position within the Republican Party but also signals a continued influence of Trump's political brand in Georgia. As the primary approaches, Jones will likely leverage this support to rally conservative voters around his platform of economic growth, tax cuts, and deregulation.
Meanwhile, Democrats are watching the Republican primary closely, with figures like Keisha Lance Bottoms criticizing the GOP race as a contest of loyalty to Trump rather than a focus on serving Georgians. As the political landscape evolves, all eyes will be on how Jones capitalizes on this endorsement and whether it will translate into votes when the primary unfolds in 2026.