News Summary
State Senator Blake Tillery has announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor of Georgia, gaining support at Daniel Field Airport. As the chair of the Georgia Senate Appropriations Committee, he emphasizes conservative principles and fiscal responsibility, positioning himself as a key player in the Republican primary race alongside competitors Steve Gooch and John Kennedy. Tillery’s campaign centers around budgetary challenges and stands out with his opposition to debanking. As the election approaches, both sides of the race are heating up, indicating a competitive cycle ahead.
Augusta, Georgia – State Senator Blake Tillery of Vidalia has officially declared his candidacy for lieutenant governor of Georgia, launching his campaign on a Monday morning at Daniel Field Airport, where he was met with enthusiastic support from local constituents. This announcement positions Tillery as a significant contender in the Republican race for the state’s second highest office, succeeding the current lieutenant governor, Burt Jones, who is gearing up for a gubernatorial run in 2026.
Tillery, a prominent Republican figure who currently serves as chair of the Georgia Senate Appropriations Committee, has made clear his intentions to focus on conservative principles should he win the election. By entering the race, he adds to a competitive lineup of Republican candidates that also includes Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch and Senate President Pro Tem John Kennedy. Both Gooch and Kennedy, like Tillery, are experiencing substantial financial backing with Gooch leading at approximately $1 million in campaign funds, followed closely by Kennedy with $819,000, and Tillery himself reporting $759,000.
In his campaign efforts, Tillery has made significant headway in developing the state’s budget, particularly during the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. His experience in budgetary matters may position him favorably among voters who prioritize fiscal responsibility. Furthermore, Tillery has made a unique push by advocating against “debanking,” a position highlighted by his sponsorship of Senate Bill 57, which, despite failing to pass, has drawn attention to his campaign.
Tillery’s platform intersects with the views of his competitors on key issues including immigration, transgender rights, and tax cuts, showcasing a shared alignment on several prominent Republican policies. However, his distinct opposition to debanking sets him apart from the current field. As a candidate, he is actively engaging voters by touring cities across Georgia, attending events such as the Floyd County GOP’s Tillman Rally, which has further solidified his presence in the community.
In addition to the Republican contenders, the Democratic side of the race is also shaping up, with State Senator Josh McLaurin running and raising $118,000, considerably more than his fellow Democrat, Richard N. Wright, who has reported $20,000 in campaign funds. The contrasting funding levels may influence the dynamics of the race, as candidates from both parties strive to establish an electoral foothold leading into 2026.
As the campaign progresses, the landscape of the lieutenant governor’s race is expected to evolve, particularly as candidates ramp up their outreach to constituents. The culmination of financial support, campaign strategies, and voter engagement will be critical in determining the outcome as Georgia’s political scene gears up for what promises to be a competitive election cycle.
Blake Tillery’s entry into the race not only heightens competition among Republican candidates but also offers Georgia voters a clear choice in leadership direction for the years ahead. With the 2026 elections approaching, the activities and politics of Tillery, Gooch, Kennedy, and others will sharply focus on addressing pivotal issues impacting Georgia residents.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
GOP Candidates Rally in Augusta for 2026 Elections
Georgia Lawmakers Consider Overhauling Tax System
Georgia Senate Committee to Explore Income Tax Elimination
Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Blake Tillery
- Northwest Georgia News
- Google Search: Blake Tillery
- The Augusta Press
- Google News: Georgia lieutenant governor election
- Augusta Chronicle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgia
- 41 NBC
- Google Scholar: Blake Tillery
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
