ATLANTA – The Democratic contest for Georgia's lieutenant governor witnessed a new development as Seth Clark officially entered the race Monday. Clark stepped down from his role at the Macon-Bibb County Commission before launching his campaign. His candidacy places him alongside Atlanta’s State Senator Josh McLaurin as the only Democratic contenders to have formally filed for the lieutenant governor’s seat.
The upcoming May 19 primary will decide which Democrat squares off against a slate of five Republican candidates vying to replace incumbent Republican Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, who is pursuing the governor's office. The Republican field includes state Senators Steve Gooch of Dahlonega, Greg Dolezal of Cumming, Blake Tillery of Vidalia, former state Senator John F. Kennedy of Macon, and State Representative David Clark of Sugar Hill.
Seth Clark has previously held positions such as Macon’s mayor pro tem and served as the executive director of the Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative. This effort aims at establishing a national park in central Georgia and conserving the natural landscapes surrounding the Ocmulgee River. In a video announcement for his campaign, Clark underscored his intent to prioritize affordability for Georgia’s working population.
Clark stated, "I’m running because the cost of living shouldn’t break working folks, especially not in a state as rich in talent and heart and possibility as Georgia." He highlighted his accomplishments in Macon, which include backing tax relief measures, enhancing public safety efforts, and renewing the infrastructure framework. Clark’s platform also focuses on strengthening public education, expanding affordable housing, improving childcare access, enhancing healthcare systems, and supporting higher education institutions.
Clark has garnered support from several Democratic members of the state House, including Representative Stacey Evans from Atlanta and Representative Tangie Herring from Macon. Josh McLaurin welcomed Clark’s entrance into the race but emphasized his own credentials as "a proven fighter" capable of cutting through political turmoil, specifically referring to former President Donald Trump's influence, to deliver tangible benefits for working Georgians. McLaurin highlighted his endorsements from prominent Democratic Senate leaders, including Minority Leader Harold Jones II of Augusta and Whip Kim Jackson of Stone Mountain.