State Senate District 53 in Georgia State Senate District 53, Georgia

2026 Primary Election

• John B. Zibluk — Masengill Professor of communication in Lookout Mountain, GA

  John B. (Jack) Zibluk, a Masengill Professor of communication at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, is campaigning for the 53rd District seat in the Georgia State Senate. A resident of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, he previously taught at Southeast Missouri State University and boasts an extensive academic background, including editing a refereed journal and leading departmental initiatives. He launched his candidacy at a Democratic picnic, noting his previous campaign provided valuable experience and stating he is "not running alone" this time. He has secured support from Democratic committees in Dade and Walker Counties and hired an experienced campaign manager.

• Blake Allan Elsberry — Regional Director in GA

  Blake Elsberry is a lifelong Republican and a proven conservative running for Georgia State Senate, District 53. A resident of Northwest Georgia, he brings extensive experience in local government, healthcare, legislative policy, and law enforcement. Elsberry is dedicated to providing strong, principled leadership and fighting for conservative values to protect freedoms and deliver results for his district. He works as a Regional Director, serves as a Gideon, and on non-profit boards. With his wife Lauren and two children, Will and Sarah Katherine, he aims to be a strong conservative voice for Northwest Georgia. He previously ran for the District 53 State Senate special election in March 2026.

• Denise Pierce Burns — Insurance agent in Ringgold, GA

  Denise Pierce Burns is a North Georgia mother, homesteader, and longtime Republican leader seeking election to Georgia Senate District 53. A graduate of Ringgold High School and Berry College, she previously worked in hospitality and business management before homeschooling her four children. With extensive grassroots organizing and leadership experience, including chairing the Georgia GOP 14th Congressional District, Burns aims to defend parents and public safety. Her platform emphasizes protecting the unborn, religious liberty, parental rights, food freedom, small farms, limited government, lowering costs, cracking down on crime and illegal immigration, medical freedom, and school choice. She is currently an insurance agent.

• Lanny Elwyn Thomas — Incumbent State Senator in GA

  Lanny Elwyn Thomas is a Republican politician serving as a Georgia State Senator for District 53, having assumed office in April 2026 after winning a special election. A former educator, he holds degrees from West Georgia College and Jacksonville State University, and previously taught at Pennville Elementary, LaFayette High School, and Trion City Schools. Thomas also served as mayor of Trion and as a Trion city council member. He is affiliated with organizations like Lookout Mountain CASA and the Summerville/Trion Optimist Club. Thomas is currently seeking re-election in the May 2026 Republican primary.