Georgia lieutenant governor candidates 2026: Who’s running

The two state senators competing to be Georgia’s lieutenant governor are outspoken. But that’s where the similarities end.

When it comes to politics, state Sen. Greg Dolezal and Josh McLaurin are miles apart.

Dolezal, who won a Republican runoff in June, is an ardent supporter of President Donald Trump and created waves when he ran an AI-generated ad depicting Muslims attacking white Georgians.

“Keep Georgia sharia free,” the ad concludes.

McLaurin often turns to humor to mock Trump and his supporters, even turning some of his floor speeches into a running gag he dubbed “Trump Morning News.” where he assumed the persona of newscaster. McLaurin won the Democratic nomination in Georgia’s runoff.

The winner will replace Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who ran an unsuccessful Republican campaign for governor.

In addition to presiding over the Senate, the lieutenant governor serves as the state’s second-in-command, assuming the duties of governor if they are unable to perform them.

Here’s a look at the candidates:

Democrat

Josh McLaurin

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

McLaurin spent four years in the state House of Representatives before winning election in the north Fulton County-based Senate District 14 in 2022. He’s a Sandy Springs attorney whose practice focuses on business litigation and aviation law.

In the Senate, McLaurin has often accused Republicans of bowing to Trump’s demands. McLaurin gained national attention two years ago when he revealed his law school roommate and now vice president, JD Vance, had wondered if Trump were “America’s Hitler.”

If elected, McLaurin says he’ll address rising costs by spending more on working families, push to expand Medicaid, protect the rights of workers to organize and fight to make homes more affordable.

Republican

Greg Dolezal

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

Dolezal is a partner in a technology company who was elected in 2018 to serve Forsyth County-based Senate District 27. Two years later, he joined a group of senators who sought to help Trump overturn the presidential election.

Dolezal chairs the transportation committee and is vice chair of appropriations. He also serves on a committee investigating Fani Willis, questioning the Fulton County district attorney under oath in December.

He has attracted attention for his incendiary campaign ads. Facing blowback for his anti-Muslim spot, Dolezal said he stood by it and refused to apologize.

Dolezal sponsored legislation that bans transgender girls and women from playing on female sports teams, as well as the creation of Georgia Promise Scholarships, which have primarily benefited students at private schools.

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