Most folks in Georgia can name the Governor without blinking. Brian Kemp is a household name at this point. But ask someone who is Georgia's Lieutenant Governor and you’ll usually get a blank stare or a "wait, let me Google that."
It’s a weird job.
Currently, the man holding the office is Burt Jones. He’s been in the seat since early 2023, and if you follow state politics even a little bit, you know he's rarely out of the headlines. He isn't just a "backup governor." In Georgia, this role actually carries a massive amount of weight in how laws are made—or killed—before they ever reach the Governor's desk.
Who is Georgia's Lieutenant Governor right now?
Burt Jones is a Republican from Jackson, Georgia. Before he was the state's 13th Lieutenant Governor, he was a State Senator for about a decade. He’s also a businessman, specifically tied to his family’s company, Jones Petroleum.
If you’re a football fan, the name might ring a bell for a different reason. He was a walk-on for the University of Georgia Bulldogs and ended up being a team captain for the 2002 SEC Championship team. That "underdog to captain" narrative is basically the bedrock of his political brand.
But honestly, the reason people are talking about him lately isn't football. It’s the 2026 election.
As of early 2026, Burt Jones is widely considered the frontrunner for the Republican nomination for Governor. He's already picked up major endorsements, including one from Turning Point Action just this January. It creates a fascinating dynamic in the Gold Dome (our state capitol) because he’s presiding over the Senate while essentially auditioning for the top job in the state.
Why the Lieutenant Governor is actually a big deal
In some states, the Lieutenant Governor is like a Vice President—they mostly go to funerals and wait for something bad to happen to the boss.
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Georgia is different.
Our constitution says the Lieutenant Governor is the President of the Senate. That’s a legislative role, not just an executive one. He’s the person holding the gavel. He decides which senators get to speak and handles the flow of the room.
Here is where it gets spicy: the Lieutenant Governor used to have the power to appoint all the committee chairs. That’s where the real power lies. If you control the committees, you control what bills even get a vote. Back in the early 2000s and again in 2010, the Senate rules were tweaked to strip some of that power away from the Lieutenant Governor and give it to the Senate’s internal leadership (the Committee on Assignments).
Even with those changes, the Lieutenant Governor still chairs that Committee on Assignments. He isn't just a figurehead. He’s the gatekeeper.
The separate ticket quirk
One thing that trips people up is that in Georgia, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor don’t run together. They aren't a "ticket" like a President and VP. You could technically elect a Republican Governor and a Democratic Lieutenant Governor.
It hasn't happened recently, but it creates a weird tension. They don't have to like each other. They don't even have to talk. Burt Jones and Brian Kemp are in the same party, but they represent different "flavors" of the GOP, which makes for some interesting legislative sessions.
What does the Lieutenant Governor actually do all day?
If you walked into the State Capitol during a session, you'd see the Lieutenant Governor sitting high up on the rostrum.
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His primary duties include:
- Presiding over the Senate: He keeps the peace and follows the "Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure."
- Succession: If Governor Kemp were to resign or become incapacitated, Jones becomes the Governor. Simple as that.
- Committee Appointments: He has a massive say in who sits on which committee. If a Senator wants to be on the powerful Appropriations Committee (where the money is), they usually need to be on the Lieutenant Governor's good side.
- Tie-breaking: He doesn't vote on every bill. He only votes if there is a tie.
The Controversy and the 2026 Run
You can't really talk about who is Georgia's Lieutenant Governor without mentioning the "fake electors" situation from 2020. Jones was one of the 16 Republicans who signed a certificate claiming Donald Trump won Georgia.
While other people involved in that saga faced indictments, Jones was a special case. Because the District Attorney (Fani Willis) had held a fundraiser for Jones’ political opponent, a judge ruled she had a conflict of interest and couldn't investigate him. A special prosecutor was eventually assigned to look into his role.
Despite that legal cloud, his popularity among the Republican base hasn't wavered. In fact, many see him as the natural successor to the "MAGA" wing of the party in Georgia.
Quick Facts: Burt Jones at a Glance
If you just need the "spark notes" version of who is running the Senate in Atlanta, here it is.
He was born in April 1979, making him one of the younger high-ranking officials in the state. He lives in Jackson with his wife, Jan, and their two kids. They're big into their local church, Rock Springs.
Financially, the guy is set. His family’s petroleum business is massive, employing nearly 2,000 people across the state. He also started an insurance brokerage called JP Capital & Insurance. This business background is usually his go-to talking point when he's pushing for tax cuts.
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Speaking of tax cuts, that's his "thing." If you hear him give a speech, he’s probably going to mention:
- Eliminating or lowering the state income tax.
- Boosting school choice and "parental rights."
- Increasing funding for law enforcement.
- "Cracking down" on gang activity and violent crime.
The Succession Question
What happens if the Governor leaves?
This is the most critical part of the job. According to Article V of the Georgia Constitution, the Lieutenant Governor exercises "executive powers" if the Governor is out of commission.
However, they don't automatically get the title of Governor unless the vacancy is permanent (like death or resignation). If it’s just a temporary thing, they are "Acting Governor." It sounds like a small distinction, but in politics, those labels matter for things like signing authority and veto powers.
Actionable Insights for Georgia Residents
Knowing who is Georgia's Lieutenant Governor isn't just for trivia night. Since this person essentially controls the flow of the Senate, they have more impact on your daily life than most members of Congress in D.C.
If there is a bill you care about—whether it's about property taxes, healthcare, or education—the Lieutenant Governor’s office is actually a better place to send your concerns than the Governor’s office. Why? Because he decides if the bill even gets a committee hearing.
Here is what you can do:
- Watch the Senate Live: During the legislative session (usually January through March), you can watch the Senate floor live on the Georgia General Assembly website. You'll see Jones in action presiding over the floor.
- Check the Committee on Assignments: If you want to know why a bill is stalled, look at who the Lieutenant Governor has appointed to lead that specific committee.
- Contact the Office: You can reach the Lieutenant Governor's staff at (404) 656-5030. They have a constituent services team specifically for helping people navigate state agencies.
The 2026 election cycle is already heating up. As Burt Jones eyes the Governor’s mansion, his every move in the Senate will be scrutinized. Whether you're a fan of his "outsider businessman" approach or a critic of his 2020 actions, there's no denying he’s one of the most powerful people in the South right now.
Keep an eye on the Senate floor this year. That's where the real Georgia politics happens.