Vernon Jones announces campaign for Georgia Secretary of State

Vernon Jones makes bid for Secretary of State

Former state representative Vernon Jones has announced he’s running to become Georgia’s next Secretary of State.

ATLANTA - Former state representative Vernon Jones has announced he’s running to become Georgia’s next Secretary of State.

Vernon Jones for Secretary of State

What we know:

Jones, 61, said his platform focuses on "protecting your vote," cutting red tape for small businesses, and restoring accountability in state government. "I’ll protect your vote, cut red tape for small businesses, and bring accountability back to government," he said in his announcement.

The former DeKalb County CEO and one-time Democrat switched parties in 2021, aligning himself with former President Donald Trump and the "America First" movement. His campaign centers on election security, calling for more paper ballots, tighter voter ID laws, and limits on mail-in voting.

In his announcement on X, Jones wrote, "I’ll protect your vote, cut red tape for small businesses, and bring accountability back to government."

He pledged to "deliver accountability to the people of Georgia."

Vernon Jones

What they're saying:

Political analysts say Jones’ candidacy could influence the dynamics of the Republican primary. FOX 5 contributor Brian Robinson noted that Jones’ political trajectory mirrors a broader national trend of some Black male voters shifting from the Democratic Party to the GOP.

"Vernon Jones has been around for decades in Georgia politics," Robinson said. "He’s made a lot of news and not always for good reasons. But he represents a trend line that’s going to be really important in Georgia politics moving forward."

Democrats are also watching the race closely, with some believing Jones’ entry could divide conservative voters and give their candidate a potential edge in November.

Vernon Jones running for Georgia Secretary of State

Former state representative Vernon Jones has announced he’s running to become Georgia’s next Secretary of State.

Who is Vernon Jones?

The backstory:

Jones served multiple terms in the Georgia House of Representatives, in addition to two terms as DeKalb County’s first Black CEO. He declared himself a Republican in January 2021, at the end of his final term in the state House.

In 2022, Jones challenged Governor Brian Kemp for the Republican nomination before dropping out and endorsing David Perdue. He later ran for Georgia’s 10th Congressional District, but lost to Mike Collins in the GOP primary.

Jones has called himself a "longtime ally" of former President Donald Trump, who endorsed him during his congressional bid.

Vernon Jones calls for closed primaries

Vernon Jones, who finished second in the May 25 Republican primary in his bid for Georgia's 10th Congressional District, called on Georgia primaries to be closed. This after the Associated Press found Democrats were voting in the GOP primaries to block Trump-backed candidates like Jones. He faces frontrunner Mike Collins in a runoff later this month.

Race for Georgia Secretary of State

Big picture view:

Jones’ entry adds another familiar name to a growing field of candidates. Former Secretary of State’s Office COO Gabe Sterling joined the Republican primary after stepping down in August, while Air Force veteran Kelvin King is also running as a Republican. On the Democratic side, Judge Penny Brown Reynolds has entered the race.