Sign in Subscribe
Governors

Trump Endorses Lt. Gov. Burt Jones for Governor in 2026 Election

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Burt Jones, Georgia's lieutenant governor, has secured the endorsement of President Donald Trump in his bid for the 2026 gubernatorial election. This move comes as no surprise given the close relationship between the two men, with Jones having been an early supporter of Trump's first campaign in 2016 and continuing to back him even after his loss in 2020. Despite the Trump endorsement being a significant boost for Jones, the lieutenant governor may still face challenges in the primary, particularly from Attorney General Chris Carr, who has announced his candidacy and has the backing of some Republican leaders.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has received the endorsement of President Donald Trump for his 2026 gubernatorial election bid.
  • Jones has been a long-time supporter of Trump, having backed his 2016 campaign and continuing to do so after his loss in 2020.
  • Jones was one of 16 Republicans who signed certificates falsely pronouncing Trump the winner in Georgia's 2020 presidential election.
  • A special prosecutor concluded in 2023 that charges should not be brought against Jones for his involvement in election interference.
  • Trump's endorsement may not guarantee Jones' primary win, as Attorney General Chris Carr is also running and has some Republican backing.
  • Jones likely enjoys a financial advantage over Carr, who is suing Jones over his campaign finance structure.
  • The lieutenant governor has expressed support for election integrity, lower taxes, and securing Georgia values, aligning with Trump's policy priorities.
  • Democrats, including state Sen. Jason Esteves, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and former DeKalb County CEO Mike Thurmond, are likely to focus on Jones' close ties to Trump in the general election.
  • Trump's popularity has dwindled among independent voters in Georgia, but he maintains strong support among Republicans, per an April poll by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC).

Statistics:

  • 85% of Georgia Republicans support Trump, according to an April AJC poll.
  • Trump's overall approval rating in Georgia stands at 43%, with the majority of disapproving voters identifying as independents.
  • Jones' run for governor has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.
  • Jones was one of 16 Republicans who signed certificates falsely pronouncing Trump the winner in Georgia's 2020 presidential election.
  • A special prosecutor concluded in 2023 that charges should not be brought against Jones for his involvement in election interference.
  • Trump has endorsed a slate of primary candidates in Georgia since 2022, but most of them lost.

Sources:

  • Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder (August 8, 2024)
  • Atlanta Journal-Constitution (April 2024)
  • Associated Press (July 2024)
  • Georgia Recorder (January 2023)
  • Georgia Recorder (May 2022)

Read more