McLaurin and Dolezal Will Seek Georgia Lieutenant Governor

The 2026 race for Georgia lieutenant governor will feature state senators Josh McLaurin and Greg Dolezal.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Legislative Policy

McLaurin and Dolezal Will Seek Georgia Lieutenant Governor

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Attorneys and state legislators Josh McLaurin and Greg Dolezal will face off in the November 2026 Georgia lieutenant governor election. The winner will preside over the Georgia Senate, where they will manage committee assignments and control floor votes.

Why it matters

The position of lieutenant governor is influential as it holds the power to decide which legislation moves forward in the state Senate. The race presents voters with distinct policy backgrounds and approaches to leadership.

Josh McLaurin served four years in the Georgia House before his 2022 Senate election, while Greg Dolezal has served in the Senate since 2018. The lieutenant governor maintains authority over bill committee assignments and floor vote scheduling.

The players

Josh McLaurin

He is an attorney from Sandy Springs who served four years in the Georgia House before his election to the state Senate in 2022.

Greg Dolezal

He is a businessman from Cumming elected to the state Senate in 2018 who chairs the Senate Transportation Committee.

The details

Josh McLaurin, an attorney based in Sandy Springs, is running against Cumming businessman and current state senator Greg Dolezal. Dolezal currently chairs the Senate Transportation Committee and serves as vice chair of the Appropriations Committee, whereas McLaurin represents the state Senate following his House tenure.

Greg Dolezal was first elected to the Georgia Senate in 2018.
Dolezal called for a special legislative session regarding election results in 2020.
Josh McLaurin was elected to the state Senate in 2022.

Political Context

Opponents of Greg Dolezal have pointed to his past calls for a special legislative session to overturn the 2020 election results as a disqualifying factor for statewide office. Conversely, supporters of the Republican platform argue that Dolezal's leadership on the Appropriations Committee demonstrates the fiscal responsibility necessary for executive office.

The outcome of this race determines which candidate holds the power to bring legislation to the floor for a vote, directly impacting the passage of state laws. Residents will see different legislative priorities prioritized based on which candidate wins the presiding role in the Senate.

The takeaway

Voters will decide between two state senators with different legislative track records and political histories in this contest. The election results will significantly influence the legislative agenda and administrative structure of the Georgia Senate for the coming term.