ATLANTA (AP) 鈥� A Georgia Senate leader announced Tuesday he’s resigning from the legislature to focus on his Republican campaign for lieutenant governor.
鈥淐ontinuing my service in the state senate while also running for Lt. Governor would be a disservice to both my constituents and the thousands of hardworking Georgians who have pledged their support for our vision,鈥� Republican state Sen. John Kennedy said in a statement.
The Macon lawyer, who was by his GOP colleagues in 2023, in June.
Aside from being unable to campaign full-time, if he kept serving the state Senate, Kennedy would not be allowed to raise campaign funds during the legislative session that typically runs from January to April. His resignation is effective immediately.
Democratic gubernatorial of Atlanta, a former state senator, was the first lawmaker running for statewide office in 2026 to .
Gov. Brian Kemp will call a special election to fill the seat in Senate District 18, which includes parts of Macon-Bibb county in middle Georgia, but that election will likely happen during the state’s legislative session.
Burt Jones, the current Republican lieutenant governor, is next year instead of seeking reelection.
Kennedy is banking on the support of Georgia鈥檚 business community after helping pass a law this year . He was first elected to the state Senate in 2014.
Kennedy faces Georgia Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch and state Sens. Greg Dolezal and Blake Tillery along with Rep. David Clark in the GOP primary. Democrat is so far the only Democrat in the lieutenant governor race.
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