BLACKSHEAR — Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones was in the area last week while on a campaign swing through Southeast Georgia.
Jones has announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for Governor in next year’s primary election. The election will be held in May, 2026.
“I’m happy to be in south Georgia and I’m looking forward to meeting as many Georgians as I can in my campaign,” said Jones of his appearance Thursday, November 6.
Georgia Lt. Governor Burt Jones is shown with the Waycross Journal-Herald and The Blackshear Times News Editor Jason Deal last week. Jones is running for the Republican Party nomination for Governor of Georgia in 2026. Photo By GREG O’DRISCOLL
Jones said he’s running on a platform of eliminating the state’s income tax, reducing regulatory burdens statewide, supporting public safety personnel, improved health care, lower taxes and improving education including allowing for school choice.
“I’m the only solid, common sense conservative in the race,” he said. “I have been endorsed by President Donald Trump and the Georgia Sheriff’s Association. “I am the only person in this race who has a farming background and who has run and maintained a business and signed checks. I understand the struggles of our small towns and rural communities.”
Jones, 46, is a resident of Jackson and played for the University of Georgia Bulldogs serving as cocaptain in 2002.
He was raised on a dairy cattle farm and is a sixth generation Georgian.
He and his family own Jones Petroleum Company and he also founded JP Capital and Insurance Company.
Jones was first elected as a Georgia State Senator in 2013 and served for 10 years before being elected as Lt. Governor.
Jones said he has enjoyed campaigning and meeting people all over the state.
He is currently leading in the polls and in fundraising. There are five others seeking the GOP nomination while seven are vying to represent the Democrat ticket.
