16 hours ago
Republican Blake Tillery announces bid for Lt. Gov.; pledges to cut state income tax
A South Georgia state senator announced a bid for lieutenant governor in Savannah Monday morning, pledging to run on what he called "Georgia values."
Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia) spoke to a small crowd of supporters at Sheltair Aviation, a private and recreational fixed-base aviation operation at 100 Eddie Jungemann Drive, during his first stop on a seven-city tour around Georgia to launch his campaign. Tillery touted his record of advancing conservative policies in the state Senate while outlining a platform to cut the state income tax and fight illegal immigration.
"I have a record of conservative results here in Georgia," Tillery said. "I've stood against woke ideologies; I've stood against DEI mandates and gender extremism."
Tillery was elected to the state Senate in 2016 and is also the managing partner at the Tillery Firm law practice in Vidalia, where his work touches on worker's compensation, real estate closings and probate cases, according to his biography. Before being elected to state Senate, Tillery served as the Toombs County Commission chairman.
The South Georgia native said he decided to run based on promises kept as a state Senator, where he pledged jobs, expanded broadband access and kept taxes low. Tillery pointed to a 15% reduction in the state income tax during his Senate tenure.
"I think that voters judge candidates based on what they have accomplished ... We've accomplished those (priorities)," Tillery said in an interview.
In Georgia, the lieutenant governor is the state's number two executive―after the governor. A primary role for the lieutenant governor is presiding over the Senate as Senate president.
Tillery said he gained key experience for the role as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Various priorities from "election integrity" to immigration enforcement all have budget line items attached to them, providing a comprehensive view of state government, he said.
"I think chairing the budget committee helps you learn every aspect of the state."
Tillery joins other high-profile Republicans from the Georgia General Assembly who have entered the 2026 race.
Senate Pro-Tempore John Kennedy (R-Macon) and Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega) have also announced candidacies for lieutenant governor. Democratic State Senator Josh McLaurin is, thus far, the only Democrat to announce a big for the seat.
Current Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones is running for Governor, making the race for the state's number two spot an open seat.
Tillery's campaign launch day also includes stops in Atlanta, Albany, Augusta, Columbus, Perry and Vidalia. The stops include the Georgia State Capitol and local airports, with each scheduled for roughly 45-minute appearances.
"I'm doing this because Georgia is a big state, and every voice in Georgia matters," Tillery said.
Evan Lasseter is the city of Savannah and Chatham County government reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at ELasseter@
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Georgia Republican state Sen. Blake Tillery launches Lt. Gov. campaign
