West Bibb’s Sen. Kennedy resigns ahead of lieutenant governor race

State Sen. John F. Kennedy, Republican of Macon, resigned from office earlier today as he looks to be Georgia’s next lieutenant governor. 

The former Senate president pro tem — who has represented the 18th District since 2015 — announced his bid for the state’s second-highest office June 2. He joins a field that includes several of his Senate colleagues.

Kennedy said he wants to focus on the race and allow his constituents to be served by someone with their full attention on the upcoming legislative session.

“2026 is a critical election for the future of our state and I look forward to continuing our campaign’s momentum to keep Georgia growing, learning, and safe for generations to come,” Kennedy said in a statement.

State legislators are not allowed to raise campaign funds during the General Assembly’s legislative session, which starts in January.

Kennedy was forced to step down from his Senate role in June after Republicans chose to no longer allow their leaders to both lead the chamber and seek another office. State Sen. Larry Walker of Perry has been nominated as the new Senate president pro tem.

Kennedy represented part of west Bibb County along with Crawford, Peach and Monroe counties.

Gov. Brian Kemp will schedule a special election to fill the vacant Senate seat. Two candidates have already announced their plans to run for the seat, including Forsyth Mayor Eric Wilson and Macon lawyer Steven McNeel.