As more Republicans eye the race for lieutenant governor, state Sen. Rick Jeffares sent word that he's in the race - and hosting a campaign kickoff at the end of the month.

"It's official," Jeffares posted on Facebook on Wednesday. "After much consideration, I am seeking the office of lieutenant governor for the state of Georgia."

He had recently filed paperwork to join the growing field, which also includes Senate Pro Tem David Shafer and state Rep. Geoff Duncan. A fourth Republican, state Sen. Steve Gooch, said Wednesday he was exploring a run.

Shafer might be the biggest GOP name in the race to replace Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, but the rumblings from other contenders show he has not cleared the field. Jeffares, a McDonough entrepreneur, was elected to his Henry County-based district in 2010.

Several Democrats are also eyeing the race to succeed Cagle, who is running for governor, including former state Rep. Ronnie Mabra.

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Rose Scott signals as Closer Look goes on air in the WABE studio. An Atlanta resident left WABE a $3 million donation, a boost after WABE lost $1.9 million in annual funding from the Corporation of Public Broadcasting. (Ben Gray / AJC file)

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