Trump Endorses Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones for 2026 Governor Race

President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in his 2026 gubernatorial campaign, praising Jones for his loyalty, leadership, and alignment with Trump's America First agenda. Trump highlighted Jones' conservative achievements, including his efforts on school choice, election integrity, and securing the southern border, while Jones emphasized priorities such as eliminating the state income tax and combating the fentanyl crisis. Jones, an early and ardent Trump supporter who helped contest the 2020 election results in Georgia, has a significant financial advantage with a $14 million campaign war chest and Trump's influential backing, which is expected to be pivotal in the Republican primary. His main Republican rival is Attorney General Chris Carr, who has faced recent allegations against Jones but continues to compete for more moderate voters. The Democratic field includes former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and state Sen. Jason Esteves, aiming to capitalize on Jones’ close association with Trump, whose overall state approval among all voters is notably lower than among Republicans. Trump's endorsement underscores his continued influence in Georgia politics following his 2024 presidential election victory in the state and sets the stage for a highly competitive gubernatorial race.