It's been whispered about for a while now, but state Sen. Rick Jeffares, R-McDonough, has filed paperwork to run for lieutenant governor.
Jeffares, first elected in 2010, is chairman of the Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee and a member of the budget-writing Appropriations Committee. A small business owner, he is a former Locust Grove city manager and Henry County commissioner.
Efforts to reach Jeffares were unsuccessful.
He joins a crowded field in the race for lieutenant governor. Senate President Pro Tem David Shafer, R-Duluth, is considered the early front-runner. He has already picked up endorsements from Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus, a top GOP donor, and colleague Sen. Burt Jones, R-Jackson.
State Rep. Geoff Duncan, R-Cumming, is also in the race.
On the Democratic side, former state Rep. Ronnie Mabra, D-Fayetteville, and former state Sen. Doug Stoner, D-Smyrna, are considering bids.
Incumbent Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle is running for governor.
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