You might not think much about the "number two" in state government until a tie-breaking vote changes your taxes or the governor catches a stomach bug. In Georgia, that person isn't just a backup. They're basically the engine room of the State Senate.
Burt Jones is the current Lieutenant Governor of Georgia.
He took the oath of office on January 9, 2023, succeeding Geoff Duncan. If you’ve been following Georgia politics lately, you know the name. He’s a Republican, a former state senator, and—depending on who you ask—either a staunch defender of conservative values or a lightning rod for political debate.
Honestly, the role is way more powerful than most people realize. While the U.S. Vice President mostly just sits there unless there’s a 50-50 tie, Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor actually runs the show in the Senate.
The Man in the Office: Who is Burt Jones?
Before he was presiding over the golden-domed Capitol in Atlanta, Burt Jones was a walk-on for the University of Georgia football team. That’s not just a fun trivia fact; it’s a huge part of his brand. He eventually became a permanent team captain for the 2002 season, the year the Dawgs won their first SEC Championship in two decades.
He’s a sixth-generation native of Jackson, Georgia. You’ve probably seen the "Jones Petroleum" signs if you’ve driven through middle Georgia—that’s his family’s business. He’s been an integral part of growing that company, which employs nearly 2,000 people. He also founded JP Capital & Insurance, Inc.
He’s a businessman at heart.
His Political Path
Jones didn't just drop into the Lieutenant Governor's seat. He paid his dues in the State Senate first, representing the 25th District starting in 2012. During those ten years, he focused heavily on rural hospitals and vocational education.
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When 2022 rolled around, he saw an opening. The incumbent, Geoff Duncan, decided not to run again. Jones jumped in, snagged an endorsement from Donald Trump, and leaned hard into a "Georgia First" platform.
He won the general election with 51.4% of the vote, defeating Democrat Charlie Bailey. It wasn't a landslide, but in a purple-ish state like Georgia, a win is a win.
What Does the Lieutenant Governor Actually Do?
People ask this all the time. Is it just a "governor-in-waiting" job?
Kinda, but mostly no.
The Georgia Constitution is pretty specific. Unlike the federal system where the President and VP run on a single ticket, Georgia's Lieutenant Governor is elected independently. This means you could technically have a Governor from one party and a Lieutenant Governor from another. It’s happened before!
President of the Senate
This is where the real juice is. The Lieutenant Governor serves as the President of the Senate. They decide who speaks, which committees get which bills, and they hold the gavel during the chaotic 40-day legislative session.
- Committee Assignments: They have a massive say in who chairs the committees that decide the fate of everything from healthcare to gun laws.
- The Tie-Breaker: If the Senate is split, the Lieutenant Governor casts the deciding vote.
- The Gatekeeper: They can effectively stall a bill just by how they manage the floor.
Succession
Of course, there’s the "designated survivor" aspect. If Governor Brian Kemp were to become incapacitated or leave office, Burt Jones would step in. He wouldn't just be "acting" governor; he would take over the powers and duties immediately.
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Why the 2026 Election is Already Changing Things
We are currently in an election year. 2026 is a massive cycle for Georgia.
Because Georgia governors are limited to two terms, Brian Kemp is on his way out. This has triggered a massive game of political musical chairs. Burt Jones has already signaled his intentions: he is running for Governor in 2026.
This changes the vibe in the Senate. When a Lieutenant Governor is looking at the top job, every bill they support and every speech they give is viewed through the lens of a gubernatorial campaign.
The Race to Replace Him
Since Jones is vacating the seat to run for Governor, the "Who is the Lieutenant Governor of Georgia" question will have a brand new answer by early 2027. The field is already getting crowded.
On the Republican side, you have names like State Senators Greg Dolezal, Blake Tillery, and Steve Gooch floating around. On the Democratic side, figures like Josh McLaurin are already making moves.
It’s going to be a wild, expensive, and very loud race.
Real-World Impact: Why You Should Care
It’s easy to tune out state-level politics, but the Lieutenant Governor affects your daily life more than a Senator in D.C. might.
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Think about it. Are your state income taxes going down? Burt Jones made "eliminating the state income tax" a cornerstone of his 2022 run. That policy starts in the Senate, which he oversees.
What about your kids' schools? Decisions on school choice and teacher pay raises are hammered out in the Senate committees that he helps appoint.
Even the controversial stuff—like the 2021 Election Integrity Act (SB 202)—saw Jones play a central role as a vocal supporter. Whether you loved it or hated it, the office of the Lieutenant Governor was the pivot point for that legislation.
What Most People Get Wrong
A common misconception is that the Lieutenant Governor is the Governor’s "assistant."
In reality, they are often rivals. Since they aren't on a shared ticket, they don't have to get along. They have their own budgets, their own staff, and their own political agendas. Sometimes the Lieutenant Governor will even block the Governor's favorite bill just to flex their legislative muscle.
It's a balance of power thing. It keeps the executive branch from having total control over the lawmakers.
Actionable Next Steps for Georgians
If you want to stay informed or actually influence what happens under the Gold Dome, here is what you should actually do:
- Watch the Senate Live: The Georgia General Assembly broadcasts floor sessions. If you want to see Burt Jones in action with the gavel, you can stream it directly from the Georgia GA website during the session (usually January through March).
- Check the 2026 Primary Dates: If you want a say in who the next Lieutenant Governor is, mark your calendar for May 19, 2026. That’s the primary. In Georgia, the primary often decides the winner more than the general election does.
- Track the Legislation: Use tools like Legiscan or the official Georgia General Assembly site to see which bills the Lieutenant Governor is fast-tracking. If a bill is stuck in the "Rules Committee," it’s often because of the leadership's direction.
The Lieutenant Governor isn't just a heartbeat away from the governorship; they are the person holding the steering wheel of the legislative process in Georgia. Understanding who Burt Jones is—and who might replace him—is the first step in understanding how Georgia actually works.