The voice of Georgia Baptists since 1822

Log in Subscribe

Democrat Josh McLaurin announces run for Georgia lieutenant governor in 2026

Georgia state Sen. Josh McLaurin, D-Sandy Springs, speaks to reporters on Feb. 24, 2025 at the state Capitol in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy, File)

Georgia state Sen. Josh McLaurin, D-Sandy Springs, speaks to reporters on Feb. 24, 2025 at the state Capitol in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Jeff Amy, File)

Posted Monday, May 5, 2025 11:46 am

By DAVE WILLIAMS, Capitol Beat News Service

ATLANTA – State Sen. Josh McLaurin, D-Sandy Springs, announced Monday that he will run for lieutenant governor next year, promising a campaign focused on fighting President Donald Trump’s agenda.

McLaurin, a lawyer, was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2018 before moving over to the state Senate in 2022. This year, he has railed on the Senate floor almost daily against Trump’s economic policies.

McLaurin scheduled a 3 p.m. news conference Monday at the Port of Savannah to announce his candidacy and highlight the expected impacts of Trump’s tariffs on supply chains.

He also released a list of endorsements he has received, including the names of seven state senators, 15 members of the Georgia House of Representatives, and several local elected officials.

McLaurin is the only Democratic candidate thus far to enter the race to succeed Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who is widely expected to run for governor.

Recent news

Nigerian women grow soybeans to battle hunger, share faith

In rural Nigeria, Southern Baptists partnered with Nigerians to introduce a groundbreaking initiative that would improve food consumption and transform communities. Access to wholesome food is limited in the region, so the project sought to address the nutritional challenge that has been stunting the growth and development of many children.

SBC Messengers encouraged to visit the 12,000-square-foot Lifeway Village

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — One of the most effective ways Lifeway Christian Resources serves the local church is by empowering church leaders with relevant resources that catalyze health, growth, and impact. That’s the message the organization hopes messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention in June will take away from their visit to The Lifeway Village in the exhibit hall.

South Carolina Supreme Court decides heartbeat definition allows six-week abortion ban

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled Wednesday the state can keep banning abortions around six weeks after conception by agreeing with the earliest interpretation offered of when a heartbeat starts.

Missouri lawmakers approve referendum to repeal abortion-rights amendment

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Six months after Missouri voters approved an abortion-rights amendment, Republican state lawmakers on Wednesday approved a new referendum that would seek the amendment's repeal and instead ban most abortions with exceptions for rape and incest.

New US ambassador, former senator and business executive David Perdue, arrives in China

BEIJING (AP) — The new U.S. ambassador to China, former senator and business executive David Perdue, arrived in Beijing on Thursday, just days after China and the U.S. agreed to a temporary break in their tariff war.

Commentary: Learning from our graduates

One of the joys of pastoring is celebrating the milestone achievements of the people you serve and love. Over the previous few weeks, I have had the distinct joy of attending numerous graduations, from kindergarten to college, marking the significance of a completed goal.