Democrat Josh McLaurin wins Georgia lieutenant governor race

Democrat Josh McLaurin won the race for Georgia lieutenant governor, according to Atlanta News First. This marks the first time a Democrat has been elected to the position since 2002.

McLaurin, a state senator from Sandy Springs, will preside over the Georgia State Senate, which is expected to have a Republican majority. His role gives him significant influence over the legislative agenda in the state.

His Republican opponent, Greg Dolezal from Cumming, conceded the race. Dolezal has served in the state Senate since 2019 and ran on a platform emphasizing fiscal conservatism, including eliminating municipal property taxes and restricting corporate subsidies.

McLaurin's campaign focused on expanding Medicaid, increasing funding for public education, and giving local communities more control over zoning for industrial facilities. He previously served in the state House from 2019 to 2023 and has a legal background including attendance at Yale Law School.

The election follows a historic gubernatorial victory for Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, who became Georgia’s first Black female governor. McLaurin will replace outgoing Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who lost in the Republican primary for governor.

With McLaurin's win, Georgia's lieutenant governor position returns to Democratic control after more than two decades, setting the stage for potential shifts in state legislative priorities despite the GOP Senate majority.