Kemp points to shared record in support of Burt Jones campaign

Governor Brian Kemp backs Burt Jones in Republican race for governor

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp publicly supported Lt. Gov. Burt Jones over the weekend in the Republican race for governor.

During a news conference Monday morning, Kemp said he views Jones as the best option to defeat Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms and as the candidate best suited to move the state forward.

Kemp said Jones has been a trusted ally during his time as governor.

“When you really think about what we’ve been able to do over the last eight years, whether it’s cutting taxes, economic development projects, school choice, you know, so many different things that we’ve been able to do, returning $12 billion to the taxpayers,” Kemp said. “Burt Jones has been a trusted ally in that effort, being there every step of the way.”

Kemp said those shared efforts are part of why he is supporting Jones in the Republican race.

Jones spoke after Kemp and said he has enjoyed working with the governor during his time as lieutenant governor.

“In my time as lieutenant governor, I’ve enjoyed working with the governor,” Jones said. “He and I are very similar in our way of thinking, just common sense, business-minded, and trying to do what’s right for everyday Georgians.”

Jones said he and Kemp share a similar approach to solving challenges.

Jones says endorsement could help his campaign

Jones also thanked Kemp and Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp for their support.

“I can’t say enough about how appreciative Jane and I are of this endorsement, Governor and first lady,” Jones said. “And we think that this is exactly what’s going to put us over the top.”

Jones is running as a Republican candidate for Georgia governor in the 2026 race.