Republican State Senator John F. Kennedy resigns to focus on Lieutenant Governor campaign

 State Senator John F. Kennedy has officially resigned his seat in the Georgia State Senate.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – State Senator John F. Kennedy (SD-18) has officially resigned his seat in the Georgia State Senate, effective immediately.  The announcement coming Tuesday morning marks the end of Kennedy’s 11-year tenure representing the 18th District, “It has been an incredible honor to serve and represent the 18th District in the Georgia State Senate these past 11 years,” Kennedy said in his statement.  He expressed gratitude to his constituents for their trust and support while highlighting the historic conservative results achieved during his time in office.

Kennedy says he wants to put his focus on his ongoing campaign for Lieutenant Governor in the upcoming 2026 election.  “The 18th District deserves a senator this upcoming legislative session who will be entirely focused on their needs and their priorities—not a statewide campaign,” Kennedy stated. 

He noted that balancing legislative duties with a statewide campaign would be a disservice to both his constituents and supporters.  “2026 is a critical election for the future of our state and I look forward to continuing our campaign’s momentum to keep Georgia growing, learning, and safe for generations to come.”

During his tenure, Kennedy played a key role in advancing a conservative legislative agenda, including passing the largest income tax cut in Georgia history, providing property tax relief for Georgia homeowners, raising pay for educators and law enforcement, strengthening Georgia’s ban on sanctuary cities and prohibiting boys from playing in girls’ sports. 

As the 2026 election approaches, Kennedy pledged to continue his campaign’s push to “keep Georgia growing, learning, and safe for generations to come.”