Josh McKoon, chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, will not seek a third term, bringing his leadership of the state GOP towards an end and opening a contest to replace him.
McKoon confirmed the decision on Friday, 30 October 2026, after reports first emerged in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His announcement came just days before Georgia’s midterm elections on Tuesday, 3 November.
“When I ran for Chairman after being drafted to do so in 2023 I intended to serve only one term,” McKoon said in a statement.
“After our 2024 success I was encouraged to run again and I did so with a clear understanding that it would be my second and final term.”
He added: “While this has been important work, I am excited to reclaim time with Jacqueline and my family that I have been missing in order to meet the demands of this volunteer position.”
Georgia Republican Party faces leadership change
McKoon, an attorney and former Georgia state senator, became chairman in 2023. He was re-elected by party delegates at the Georgia Republican Party’s annual convention in Dalton in June 2025.
During his time in the role, he sought to bring together the party establishment and grassroots activists, while also helping improve relations between the state party and Republican Governor Brian Kemp.
His departure will leave Georgia Republicans to choose a new chairman when his current term ends. McKoon has not named a preferred successor and has not announced any further political plans.
The chairman said stepping down would give him more time with his wife, Jacqueline, and their family after the demands of the voluntary position.
