In a bold move that could reshape Georgia’s election landscape, Vernon Jones, a former Democratic state representative turned Republican, has declared his candidacy for the state’s secretary of state position.
According to AP News, Jones, who switched parties to back President Donald Trump, announced his run on Monday with a campaign centered on tightening election security and overhauling voting methods in Georgia.
Jones served multiple terms in the Georgia House of Representatives as a Democrat before making a high-profile switch to the Republican Party in January 2021, just as his final term concluded. This transition came alongside his vocal endorsement of Trump’s reelection efforts, positioning him as a notable African American figure in Republican circles. Jones often refers to himself as the “Black Donald Trump,” a moniker reflecting his alignment with the former president’s rhetoric and policies.
During the 2020 election aftermath, Jones supported Trump’s unfounded assertions that the Georgia presidential election was fraudulent, amplifying claims of voter irregularities.
His stance put him at odds with current Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and former top official Gabriel Sterling, both Republicans who staunchly defended the integrity of the state’s 2020 results. Trump’s request to Raffensperger to “find” votes to reverse Joe Biden’s victory further highlighted the divide between Jones and the state’s election officials.
Jones’ campaign for secretary of state, announced on Monday, emphasizes a push for significant changes in how Georgia conducts its elections. If elected, he intends to advocate for paper ballots over the current electronic voting system, restrict mail-in voting options, and strengthen voter identification requirements. “Trust in our elections has been shaken,” Jones stated, underscoring his focus on reforming the process.
“Our elections must be secure,” Jones added in a separate remark, stressing the need to safeguard ballots. Beyond election issues, Jones also aims to streamline regulations for small businesses, promising to “cut red tape” if he wins the office. The Secretary of State's role in Georgia extends beyond elections, overseeing corporate filings, professional licensing, and various business activities.
Jones’ political journey includes previous bids for higher office, including a run for governor in 2022, which he later abandoned. He also competed in the Republican primary for Congress that year, losing to U.S. Rep. Mike Collins despite having Trump’s endorsement. Collins, who defeated Jones, is now seeking Trump’s backing to challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff in a future race.
The race for Georgia’s secretary of state is shaping up to be competitive, with multiple candidates from both major parties entering the fray. On the Republican side, Jones faces competition from Gabriel Sterling, state Rep. Tim Fleming, and Kelvin King, all of whom bring distinct perspectives to the contest. Both Jones and King resonate with Trump supporters who remain skeptical of election security, while Fleming, who leads a committee on voting systems, supports hand-marked paper ballots.
King’s wife, Janelle King, serves on the State Elections Board, an entity whose recent decisions faced reversal by the state Supreme Court. Meanwhile, Sterling’s tenure under Raffensperger ties him to the defense of the 2020 election, potentially influencing voter perceptions in this race. Raffensperger himself is not seeking reelection for secretary of state, as he plans to run for governor in 2026.
Democratic candidates for the position include lesser-known Adrian Consonery Jr. and Penny Brown Reynolds, a former Fulton County State Court judge with a brief reality TV appearance. Reynolds and Consonery will vie for support in a race that could hinge on contrasting visions for election oversight in Georgia. The diversity of candidates ensures that voters will face a wide array of choices when deciding who will manage the state’s elections and business affairs.
The Secretary of State position holds significant influence over how elections are conducted, a factor that has gained heightened attention following the 2020 controversies. Jones’ proposals, if implemented, could mark a dramatic shift from current practices, especially with his focus on limiting electronic voting and mail-in options. As the campaign unfolds, the debate over election integrity versus accessibility is likely to dominate discussions among candidates and voters alike.
While much of the focus remains on voting reforms, the secretary of state’s role in business oversight is equally critical for Georgia’s economy. Jones’ pledge to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for small enterprises could appeal to entrepreneurs seeking a more favorable regulatory environment. The outcome of this race will thus have implications not only for elections but also for the state’s business community.
As the field of candidates continues to take shape, Georgia residents will weigh competing priorities in selecting their next secretary of state. Jones’ alignment with Trump and his push for voting changes will test the electorate’s appetite for reform versus continuity in election administration. With the primary and general elections approaching, the state braces for a pivotal contest that could redefine its political and administrative future.