Burt Jones’s roles as candidate and lieutenant governor spark accusations as clock ticks down

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Tensions are escalating at the state capitol as lawmakers scramble to move bills with just days left in the legislative session.

Some Republicans are pointing fingers at Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. Jones is is also running for governor, and some legislators claim their bills are being slowed or blocked unless they take sides in the race for governor.

Jones met this week with lawmakers who have not endorsed a candidate in the governor’s race.

Republican sources told Atlanta News First that Jones is seeking endorsements and Atlanta News First documented bills being reassigned late in the session — a move lawmakers say can determine whether a proposal advances quickly or runs out of time.

The unusual moves sparked pushback on the Senate floor. State Sen. Josh McLaurin questioned the decision to reassign bills, asking, “Why, Mr. President, would you be reassigning bills—did you make a mistake the first time?”

Rep. Steven Sainz, a Republican, said his bipartisan bill related to injured or retired law-enforcement K-9s passed the House unanimously but stalled without an explanation. Sainz told Atlanta News First he suspects the timing is tied to his endorsement of Jones’ rival, gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson.

“I would say that the timing is conspicuous to lead someone to that conclusion if they wanted to,” Sainz said.

Another Republican, Rep. Brent Cox, who also backs Jackson, said his name, image, and likeness (NIL) bill was sent to a committee without a chairman, effectively freezing the legislation.

At a press event in LaGrange, Jackson said more than a dozen lawmakers told him they are afraid to be seen speaking with him because they worry it could jeopardize their bills.

“There are people in the House that are afraid to endorse me because they’re afraid for their bills,” Jackson said.

Jones’ campaign rejected Jackson’s allegations in a statement, mocking Jackson’s endorsement count and citing Jones’ statewide support.

“Oh, bless Rick Jackson’s heart, what a precious way to explain not having many endorsements. Burt Jones has earned support in every corner of the state, including the endorsement of our Commander in Chief, President Donald J. Trump. Rick Jackson’s endorsements? Bought and paid for, or non-existent — take your pick," Jones’s campaign said.

Lawmakers told Atlanta News First the political fight is creating real-world consequences at the Capitol, where stalled legislation can mean delayed action on issues affecting constituents across the state.

With the session’s deadline approaching, some lawmakers are also warning that the conflict could spill into budget negotiations. There are growing concerns that the House and Senate could struggle to reach an agreement, raising the prospect of a special session if the budget or other must-pass items are not finalized on time.