Georgia Speaker Backs Greene at Albany Fundraiser

House Speaker Jon Burns and former Gov. Sonny Perdue joined a fundraising luncheon for longtime Republican state Rep. Gerald Greene.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Philanthropy

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a navy state capitol dome silhouette centered against a cream sky above a flat horizon, evoking Georgia state political backing. — Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns and former Gov. Sonny Perdue backed state Rep. Gerald Greene at an Albany fundraiser as Greene faces Democrat Harry James. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns attended a fundraiser in Albany for state Rep. Gerald Greene, a Republican from Cuthbert, where former Gov. Sonny Perdue spoke in support of Greene's re-election bid. Greene is being challenged by Albany Democrat Harry James.

Why it matters

Greene is the longest-serving member of the Georgia House and the only elected Republican in the chamber representing a majority-minority district, making his race a notable test of party support in the region. Backing from the Speaker and a former governor signals the level of establishment investment in the contest.

Greene was first elected in 1982 as a Democrat and now represents House District 154 in the Georgia House. The extraction does not include the amount raised at the luncheon or current polling against challenger Harry James.

The players

Jon Burns

Jon Burns is the Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, the chamber's presiding officer.

Sonny Perdue

Sonny Perdue is a former Georgia governor who is retiring as chancellor of the University System of Georgia.

Gerald Greene

Gerald Greene is a Republican state representative from Cuthbert and the longest-serving member of the Georgia House.

Harry James

Harry James is an Albany Democrat, long-time contractor, and former Dougherty County Commission member challenging Greene.

The details

The Speaker attended a Tuesday luncheon at Doubegate Country Club in Albany to support Greene's campaign. Greene has built his re-election record on relationships and constituent services, working with Freddie Powell Sims to bring resources to southwest Georgia.

1982: Greene first elected to office as a Democrat.
Tuesday, week of November 2, 2026: Fundraiser luncheon at Doubegate Country Club.
End of 2026: Freddie Powell Sims retires.

Political Context

Greene's 1982 first election as a Democrat contrasts with his current position as the only elected Republican in the House representing a majority-minority district. Challenger Harry James, a former Dougherty County Commission member, is seeking to unseat a lawmaker whose record rests on constituent services rather than party label alone.

For Georgia voters in House District 154, the race will decide who represents them in the state House for the next term. Constituents weighing the choice can judge Greene's constituent-services record against James's challenge.

The takeaway

Campaign backing from party leaders often reflects long-standing relationships in local districts, and voters in those areas weigh those ties alongside a candidate's record of serving constituents.