Decision 2026: Georgia Lt. Governor candidates discuss taxes, health care and education
Republican Greg Dolezal and Democrat Josh McLaurin share their backgrounds and priorities as they compete to become Georgia’s next lieutenant governor.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia voters will choose a new lieutenant governor in the November general election, with Republican Greg Dolezal and Democrat Josh McLaurin offering different approaches to taxes, education, health care and the state’s economy.
On the latest episode of Decision 2026: Georgia Votes, 41NBC takes a closer look at the candidates, their records in the Georgia Legislature and the priorities they say they would pursue if elected.
The lieutenant governor serves as president of the Georgia Senate, where the position carries significant influence over the legislative process. The lieutenant governor presides over Senate proceedings, assigns legislation to committees and can help determine which bills receive consideration.
The office can play an important role in shaping state policy, including decisions affecting taxes, public education, health care and economic development.
Meet the candidates
Greg Dolezal — Republican
Republican Greg Dolezal is a state senator representing District 27 and chairs the Senate Transportation Committee. A businessman from Cumming, Dolezal has emphasized tax relief, school choice, election integrity and economic growth in his campaign.
His priorities include reducing property and income taxes, expanding school choice, strengthening public safety and addressing government spending. He has also supported limiting large institutional investors’ ownership of single-family homes.
Josh McLaurin — Democrat
Democratic nominee Josh McLaurin is a state senator and attorney from Sandy Springs. Before serving in the Senate, McLaurin served in the Georgia House of Representatives. He graduated from the University of Georgia and Yale Law School.
McLaurin has focused his campaign on lowering costs for working families, expanding Medicaid, addressing housing affordability, protecting voting rights and supporting workers. He has also called for changes to Georgia’s abortion restrictions and policies intended to make health care and child care more affordable.
The candidates’ different priorities reflect broader disagreements over how state government should address affordability, education, health care and economic opportunity.
What voters should know
The episode examines the responsibilities of Georgia’s lieutenant governor and the influence the office can have on legislation. It also features interviews with Dolezal and McLaurin, giving viewers an opportunity to hear directly from both candidates about their experience, policy priorities and vision for the state.
The program also includes political analysis to help viewers understand the race and the issues that could shape the next legislative session.
Decision 2026: Georgia Votes is part of 41NBC’s election coverage, aimed at helping voters learn more about the candidates seeking statewide office before heading to the polls.
Georgia’s general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Early voting runs through Friday, Oct. 30.
