Photo: Alamy
Former Georgia state Rep. Vernon Jones, an ex-Democrat who switched parties in 2021, announced Monday that he is running for secretary of state as a Republican, seeking to become the state’s top election official.
Jones’ announcement comes as Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger continues a campaign for governor next year. Jones, who rose to prominence as a black supporter of President Donald Trump, said restoring confidence in elections would be his top priority.
“Trust in our elections has been shaken,” Jones said in his announcement video. “Our elections must be secure. Our ballots must be protected.”
“I’m running to be Georgia’s next Secretary of State — because elections and business both depend on trust. I’ll protect your vote, cut red tape for small businesses, and bring accountability back to government. Because Georgia deserves integrity — at every level,” Jones added in a post to X announcing his run.
Jones ran for Congress in 2022 with Trump’s endorsement but lost the Republican primary to Rep. Mike Collins, who is now running for the U.S. Senate against Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff.
If elected, Jones said he would strengthen Georgia’s voter ID laws, push for a return to paper ballots instead of the state’s electronic system, and limit mail-in voting.
“Without fair elections, we don’t have a voice,” Jones said, according to CBS News. “That fear ends when I’m Secretary of State. On the campaign trail, I will travel every corner of Georgia to meet with patriots, fight for secure elections, defend our values, and make Georgia the model for America First election integrity.”
His announcement included a clear commitment to the president’s America first policies.
“Right now, those of you who feel you have been not listened to, those of you who feel frustration. I feel your pain. For those of you who feel your voices weren’t heard, for those of you who feel the incumbent governor didn’t fight for you, a new day has dawned,” Jones said.
Republican state Reps. Tim Fleming and Kelvin King, as well as Raffensperger aide Gabriel Sterling, are also seeking the GOP nomination.