Georgia’s leadership committees fuel high-dollar arms race in 2026 governor’s race

A $526,000 donation from an anti-tax political group to Lt. Gov. Burt Jones underscores how Georgia’s powerful “leadership committees” are reshaping the 2026 governor’s race — fueling a financial arms race and triggering fresh legal challenges.

Just days before unveiling details of his proposed income tax overhaul, Jones received the largest single contribution his leadership committee has reported: a $526,000 check from Fighting for Georgians on Jan. 29, during the opening weeks of the legislative session. It ranks among the biggest donations to a leadership committee since lawmakers authorized the fundraising vehicles in 2021.

Jones has collected roughly $2.7 million through his leadership committee since July 2025. Unlike traditional campaign accounts, leadership committees can raise unlimited sums from donors, including corporations and political action committees, and can coordinate directly with a candidate’s campaign. The structure has transformed Georgia politics by allowing top statewide officials and legislative leaders to amass enormous reserves.

The fundraising muscle comes at a pivotal moment. Jones is one of four major Republicans competing for the 2026 nomination, alongside Attorney General Chris Carr, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and businessman Rick Jackson. While candidates are barred from raising money during the 40-day legislative session for their campaign committees, leadership committees can continue collecting contributions — giving officeholders a significant edge.

Gov. Brian Kemp’s leadership committee illustrates the scale of the system. Though he is not on the 2026 ballot, Kemp’s committee holds more than $2.3 million. Since 2021, his leadership committee has raised more than $15 million and played a central role in advancing his policy agenda, financing political allies and reshaping state politics.

Democrats and Republicans alike have embraced the structure. Georgia House and Senate Republicans reported about $2.8 million combined in leadership funds during the latest reporting period. House Democrats’ leadership committee reported roughly $185,000 in contributions, including $20,000 from AT&T and $300,000 from Walmart’s political arm.

An Atlanta Journal-Constitution analysis of newly released reports found leadership committees raised more than $3.2 million during January 2025 alone. Since July, these entities have reported raising millions more — far exceeding what traditional campaign accounts can collect during similar periods.

Critics argue the system gives insiders an overwhelming financial advantage. Raffensperger has filed a lawsuit seeking to dismantle the leadership committee structure, arguing it creates an uneven playing field and favors certain candidates — particularly Jones, who can leverage his role as lieutenant governor to raise unlimited funds while rivals face tighter restrictions.

The lawsuit has drawn resistance from fellow Republicans. A spokesperson for Jones dismissed the challenge as politically motivated, while Kemp and other GOP leaders have defended the system as legal and transparent. Courts have so far declined to block the fundraising framework, though legal fights are ongoing.

Meanwhile, the money continues to flow.

Jones has drawn support from a range of major donors and industries, including construction firms, real estate interests, tobacco giant R.J. Reynolds, and Newnan-based betting company Brentwood Associates. Records show six-figure contributions from corporate and advocacy groups. Expenditures include payments tied to family business interests, aviation services, office expenses and other operational costs.

Fighting for Georgians — the anti-tax organization behind the $526,000 contribution — has emerged as a key outside ally. The group strongly supports Jones’ push to eliminate Georgia’s income tax and has described its mission as promoting smaller government and economic growth. During the 2024 election cycle, it backed candidates aligned with reducing income taxes and repealing certain property taxes.

Public records show the organization lists an Atlanta office address that carries signage for “PhysicalAddress.com.” Attempts to reach the group for comment were unsuccessful. Its executive director did not respond to inquiries.

Jones’ tax plan would eliminate certain tax breaks and lower the state income tax rate as part of a broader restructuring. The proposal aligns closely with Fighting for Georgians’ agenda and has won support from key Senate allies. The Senate recently advanced income tax legislation largely along party lines.

The escalating financial competition signals that the 2026 Republican primary could become one of the most expensive statewide races in Georgia history. Candidates are already pouring personal funds and outside contributions into early positioning. Businessman Rick Jackson has committed at least $50 million of his own wealth toward his bid. Raffensperger has leaned on personal funds and outside donors, while Carr has built a traditional campaign operation while backing legal efforts to curb the leadership committee system.

The leadership committee structure has blurred lines between governing and campaigning, enabling officeholders to fundraise aggressively while shaping policy. Supporters say the committees provide flexibility and strengthen party infrastructure. Critics warn they erode campaign finance limits and deepen the influence of wealthy donors and corporate interests.

With months remaining before the 2026 primary intensifies, the unlimited money machine shows no signs of slowing — and neither do the legal and political battles surrounding it.