Clark joins a Republican field that currently consists of Sen. Blake Tillery, R-Vidalia; Sen. John Kennedy, R-Macon; and Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega.
Democratic Senator Josh McLaurin of Sandy Springs has declared his intention to run for lieutenant governor, while State Senator Greg Dolezal, a Republican from Cumming, is also contemplating a candidacy.
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is running for governor next year, and the contenders are vying to succeed him.
As a lawmaker, Clark was known for being a pain in the side of Republican leaders in the House. He made an unsuccessful attempt to succeed House Speaker David Ralston in 2020.
When Clark failed to comply with House regulations and submit to a COVID-19 test the following year, he was expelled from the chamber by Ralphston. Two days later, Clark gave in, took the test, and returned to the House.
He declared in 2021 that he will not run for reelection. However, he had a change of heart and defeated another incumbent Republican in 2022 when they were paired off in redistricting.
Since then, Clark has maintained a more quiet profile. If he were elected lieutenant governor, he would become one of Georgia’s most influential officials and preside over the Senate.
Clark emphasized his small-town values, combat service in Afghanistan, and North Georgia heritage when he announced his campaign.
In the video, Clark stated, “I fought to defend our nation’s freedom overseas.” As your next lieutenant governor of Georgia, I am now fighting a new battle for YOU, standing up for our families, future, and freedom here at home.
Clark claimed that as a lawmaker, he stood for religious freedom, safeguarded unborn life, and unwaveringly upheld the Second Amendment.
He worked on bipartisan legislation earlier this year that will limit the use of contentious reunion therapies by some family courts in resolving custody disputes.
