Kemp Endorses Lieutenant Governor Jones Days Before GOP Runoff
Governor Brian Kemp endorsed Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones on Sunday, just two days before Tuesday’s GOP primary runoff that will determine who faces Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in November.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Governor Brian Kemp endorsed Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones on Sunday, just two days before Tuesday’s Republican primary runoff election to determine Georgia’s next gubernatorial nominee.
In a social media post, Kemp praised Jones as a “strong, trusted ally” and highlighted their collaborative achievements, including tax cuts and economic growth. The governor suggested Jones would continue his conservative agenda, stating Jones “will make a strong case to the voters for four more years of conservative leadership” this fall.
Kemp Credits Partnership for Legislative Success
“That’s a conservative record of success that Marty, the girls, and I are proud of — and it’s one that would not have been possible without our partners in the General Assembly,” Kemp said in his endorsement statement.
The timing of Kemp’s endorsement comes as Jones faces wealthy billionaire executive Rick Jackson in Tuesday’s runoff. Jones emerged as the top vote-getter in last month’s crowded Republican primary, capturing approximately 38 percent of the vote while Jackson finished second with about 33 percent.
November Matchup Already Set on Democratic Side
The winner of Tuesday’s GOP runoff will face former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in the November general election. Bottoms secured the Democratic nomination by winning her primary outright last month without requiring a runoff.
Jones, who received President Donald Trump’s endorsement early in the race last year, welcomed Kemp’s support on social media. He expressed gratitude for working alongside the governor “for the past four years” and called the endorsement an honor.
The lieutenant governor has positioned himself as the continuity candidate for Kemp’s policies, emphasizing their partnership on economic initiatives and conservative governance during the current administration.
High-Stakes Primary Runoff
Tuesday’s runoff represents the culmination of a competitive Republican primary that initially featured multiple candidates vying to succeed the term-limited Kemp. Georgia law requires a candidate to receive more than 50 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff election.
The endorsement gives Jones additional momentum heading into the final stretch of campaigning, as he seeks to consolidate support from Kemp’s political network and donors. Jackson, meanwhile, has emphasized his business background and outsider status in his bid for the nomination.
Polling locations across Georgia will be open Tuesday for registered Republican voters to make their final choice between Jones and Jackson. The winner will have approximately five months to prepare for the general election campaign against Bottoms.
