ATLANTA () — President Donald Trump announced that he is endorsing Georgia’s lieutenant governor in the 2026 governor’s race on social media Monday.

“Burt Jones for Governor has my Complete and Total Endorsement – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

The president noted that Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones lent his support to his campaigns in 2016, 2020, and 2024. According to Trump, Jones was the inaugural member of the Georgia State Assembly to endorse him before the 2016 election.

“He is a FIGHTER, a thriving Businessman, and a former SEC Champion Georgia Bulldogs football player known for his resilience! Presently, as Lieutenant Governor, Burt has showcased the Bravery and Insight necessary to achieve impressive results for the remarkable citizens of his great State and Nation,” President Trump shared in the post.

Jones entered the political arena over a decade ago, beginning his career as a representative in 2012 and later becoming the lieutenant governor in 2022. He held the position of Georgia’s 25th District senator for a decade.

Lt. Gov. Jones announced his candidacy on social media July 8.

“I tackle challenging battles head-on to produce outcomes, and that’s precisely what I plan to continue doing as Governor,” Jones declared. “From backing law enforcement to supporting rural Georgia and enhancing the workforce, I’m dedicated to prioritizing Georgians.”

As of Aug. 11, only one other Republican to officially declared their candidacy is Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr.

Keisha Lance Bottoms, Olu Brown, Jason Esteves, Derrick Jackson, and Michael Thurmond have declared their candidacy for the Democratic primary seat for governor.

“It’s apparent that Burt Jones is focused solely on being Donald Trump’s yes-man,” Bottoms commented in a statement. “I am committed to putting the people of Georgia first and will never hesitate to advocate for our state. Georgians deserve a governor who prioritizes the state above Donald Trump. My campaign for governor is about defending Georgians against the turmoil in Washington, and striving for reduced costs, quality jobs, and economic prosperity.”