Dolezal and McLaurin to Compete for Georgia Lieutenant Governor
The candidates will face off in the general election on November 3, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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Republican State Senator Greg Dolezal and Democratic State Senator Josh McLaurin are competing for the office of lieutenant governor in the November 3, 2026, general election. The winner will serve as the president of the Georgia Senate.
Why it matters
The lieutenant governor plays a pivotal role in the legislative process by presiding over Senate proceedings and determining which bills receive consideration. This position significantly shapes state policy and legislative outcomes in Georgia.
The lieutenant governor holds the authority to assign legislation to committees, a power that dictates the legislative agenda for the entire state.
The players
Greg Dolezal
He is a Republican state senator representing District 27 and chairs the Senate Transportation Committee.
Josh McLaurin
He is a Democratic state senator and attorney from Sandy Springs who previously served in the Georgia House of Representatives.
The details
Greg Dolezal represents District 27 and chairs the Senate Transportation Committee, while Josh McLaurin is an attorney from Sandy Springs who formerly served in the Georgia House of Representatives. Both candidates are highlighting their respective experiences and legislative priorities ahead of the upcoming election.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: Early voting concludes.
November 3, 2026: Georgia general election occurs.
Political Context
Opposition parties frequently express concern that the power to assign legislation to committees grants the lieutenant governor excessive influence over the Senate floor. This structural criticism highlights the tension between the office's executive origins and its legislative duties.
The outcome of this election will directly impact which legislative priorities receive floor consideration and funding during future sessions. Residents may see changes in the speed and focus of policy implementation based on the lieutenant governor's chosen committee assignments.
The takeaway
Voters should review the specific policy priorities of both candidates to understand how they plan to utilize the Senate presidency. The influence exerted by this office can determine the success or failure of legislation affecting daily life in Georgia.
What happens next
Early voting concludes on October 30, 2026, followed by the general election on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's legislative process on the Georgia Legislative Policy page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 41NBC News | WMGT-DT.
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