John Kennedy, the highest-ranking Republican in Georgia’s state Senate, announced on Monday that he is running for lieutenant governor in the 2026 election, joining an expanding field of GOP contenders.
A lawyer from Macon, Kennedy is counting on backing from Georgia’s business sector, highlighting his role in passing legislation this year that limits lawsuits and civil judgments.
The current lieutenant governor, Republican Burt Jones, is expected to run for governor next year instead of seeking another term and may formally announce his candidacy later this summer.
Kennedy has served in the state Senate since 2014 and was elected president pro tempore—the chamber’s second-highest position—in 2023 by his Republican colleagues. He previously chaired the majority caucus and played a key role in redrawing legislative and congressional districts following the 2020 Census, helping secure Republican control.
Other Republican hopefuls include Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch of Dahlonega, who declared his candidacy last month and plans to model his campaign after former President Donald Trump. Blake Tillery, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee from Vidalia, is raising funds for a potential run. State Sen. Greg Dolezal of Cumming is also considered a possible candidate.
Kennedy did not reference Trump in his announcement. Instead, he emphasized his priorities as lieutenant governor would focus on strengthening the economy, improving education, and enhancing public safety.
“Georgians can trust that my leadership will deliver conservative results, not empty rhetoric,” Kennedy stated. “By working together, we will keep Georgia growing, keep Georgia learning, and keep Georgia safe.”
Earlier this year, Kennedy sponsored legislation aimed at reducing student absenteeism in schools.
Though sharing the initials JFK with the late president John F. Kennedy, this 59-year-old state senator—born less than two years after the president’s assassination—is not related and carries the middle name Flanders.
The lieutenant governor’s influence in Georgia depends on Senate agreement, as the position presides over Senate sessions but can vary in power. Kennedy, as president pro tem, already collaborates closely with Jones to set the Senate agenda.
On the Democratic side, state Sen. Josh McLaurin of Sandy Springs is the only declared candidate for lieutenant governor.