Lieutenant Governor Georgia in Statewide, Georgia

2026 Primary Election

• Josh Mclaurin — Incumbent State Senator in Sandy Springs, GA

  Josh McLaurin, an attorney, currently serves as a Democratic Georgia State Senator, having been sworn into the Senate in January 2023. Prior to this, he served in the Georgia House of Representatives starting in January 2019. He has announced his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor in the 2026 primary election. McLaurin, who resides in Sandy Springs, has indicated that opposition to former President Donald Trump's policies will be a key part of his campaign, citing concerns about tariff policies affecting Georgia's largest port.

• Nabilah Parkes — Former State Senator in Duluth, GA

  Nabilah Parkes, a Democrat and former state Senator, is campaigning for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia in the 2026 election. A mother and daughter of immigrants, she previously represented Georgia State Senate District 7 from 2023 until her resignation in March 2026. Parkes is committed to protecting elections, having previously sued Gov. Brian Kemp, and aims to lower costs for working families. Her policy priorities include expanding Medicaid, making healthcare more affordable, funding schools, and addressing drug costs. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Marketing.

• Richard N. Wright — CPA Firm Owner in Atlanta, GA

  Richard N. Wright is a Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia in the 2026 primary election. A financial professional, CPA, and business owner, he previously worked as an M&A tax consultant for PwC and served as CFO of the Georgia Micro Enterprise Network. Wright holds master's degrees from Georgetown and Arizona State University, and an MBA from Strayer University. A self-described moderate Democrat, he is running to bring common-sense leadership and ensure all Georgians have opportunities to thrive. His platform emphasizes supporting working families and small businesses, expanding Medicaid, addressing workforce housing, and promoting economic empowerment through strategic policies and fiscal responsibility. He aims to be a bridge candidate in Georgia politics.

• Brenda Lynn Nelson-Porter — CEO and Founder of Alumni Association Network in Newnan, GA

  Brenda Lynn Nelson-Porter, a Republican, is campaigning for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia in the 2026 primary election. A veteran of the US Marine Corps, she holds a doctorate, master's, and bachelor's degree. Her professional experience includes founding the Alumni Association Network and consulting. Dr. Nelson-Porter advocates for statewide research into financial fraud, proposing stricter accountability including the revocation of degrees for unethical practices. Her platform also calls for auditing all Georgia counties, improving transportation services for schools and disabled individuals, revising mental health policies for veterans, and addressing homelessness with employment opportunities. She was previously a candidate for Georgia Secretary of State.

• David Timothy Clark — Incumbent Representative, Georgia House of Representatives in Buford, GA

  David Clark is a Green Beret and U.S. Army veteran who currently serves as a Georgia House Representative for District 100. A small business owner residing in Buford, Clark is campaigning for Lieutenant Governor in the 2026 election. His platform includes strong conservative principles such as anti-abortion policies, expanding gun rights, and religious liberty. He advocates for eliminating state income and property taxes, bolstering resources for law enforcement, and defending parental rights in education. Clark also aims to prevent foreign influence in Georgia’s economy and politics, and protect seniors from property tax seizures. He presents himself as a "warrior" committed to defending Georgia's families, values, and freedom.

• Gregory Robert Dolezal — Incumbent Georgia State Senator in Alpharetta, GA

  Greg Dolezal is a Republican Georgia State Senator, representing District 27 since January 14, 2019. A small business owner and Christian, he is currently a candidate in the May 2026 Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia. Dolezal advocated for overturning the 2020 election results. His policy stances include eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion in government, removing "soft on crime" prosecutors, and stopping "transgender indoctrination" in schools, having sponsored the Riley Gaines Act. He had pledged to limit his time in office, a limit he has now reached.

• John Flanders Kennedy — State Senator and Lawyer in Macon, GA

  John Flanders Kennedy is a Republican State Senator from Georgia, currently serving as President Pro Tempore. This Macon lawyer was first elected to the state Senate in 2014, also leading the majority caucus and redistricting efforts. Kennedy is running for Georgia Lieutenant Governor in 2026, focused on delivering conservative results. His priorities include strengthening public safety laws, supporting Georgia's agriculture, and fostering broad economic growth. He also champions quality education, ensuring teachers, students, and parents are supported. Kennedy sponsored laws limiting civil lawsuits and curbing student absences.

• Michael Blake Tillery — Incumbent Georgia State Senator in GA

  Michael Blake Tillery is an American attorney and Republican politician currently serving as a Georgia State Senator for the 19th district since 2017. As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, he oversees Georgia's state budget. He previously chaired the Toombs County Commission. Tillery is a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia in the 2026 election, running on a platform of steady, conservative leadership. He has received endorsements from over 360 leaders across Georgia. Known for co-sponsoring S.B. 390, which addresses library funding, and advocating for anti-"debanking" legislation (SB 57), Tillery is seeking the Republican nomination.

• Steve Gooch — Incumbent State Senator in Dahlonega, GA

  Steve Gooch, a Republican, has served as a Georgia State Senator for District 51 since January 2011, holding leadership roles as Senate Majority Leader and Majority Whip. He holds an MPA from North Georgia College & State University. Professionally, Gooch is a Commercial Real Estate Agent, a firefighter, and owns an environmental services company in Dahlonega. He is a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia in the May 2026 Republican primary. His platform stresses bold leadership to counter the Democrat Party, secure borders, combat violent crime, abolish the state income tax, and defend American values, aiming for Georgia to be a national "gold standard."

• Takosha Misheal Swan — Public official for Veterans in Georgia in Conyers, GA

  Takosha Swan is a Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia in the 2026 primary. A dual-branch U.S. military veteran, serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Hurricane Katrina relief, she is a governor-appointed public official for Veterans in Georgia and a Project 21 Ambassador. Her platform focuses on economic relief, including eliminating property taxes for seniors, reducing taxes on everyday necessities, and supporting small businesses. An entrepreneur and composer of "The Veteran Anthem," Swan is campaigning across the state to shape legislation and promote access and unity.