Catoosa County, Georgia

Georgia Senate District 53

See where Thomas and Zibluk stand on public safety and jobs. Names follow official Catoosa County election filings.

About this race

Lanny Thomas (Republican), John Bentley "Jack" Zibluk (Democratic) meet on the November 3 ballot; Lanny Thomas is the sitting member, per the Secretary of State's certified list. Party nominees were chosen at the May 19 primary and June 16 runoff (majority rule); independents qualified by petition. The field is the Secretary of State's certified November 2026 candidate list (read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.

What this office does

State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.

This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot. The sitting officeholder, Lanny Thomas, is on the ballot.

We use AI to research and write election information. Errors are possible. Verify important details with official sources.

Georgia › Catoosa County › Georgia Senate District 53

Lanny Thomas

RepublicanIncumbent

Top priorities

From the campaign site

A stronger local economy and more jobs
Lower taxes and responsible government spending
Support for law enforcement and public safety

Biography

Lanny Thomas has served in public education for 35 years and holds a bachelor's degree in education from West Georgia College plus a master's and an education specialist degree from Jacksonville State University, per the campaign site. Thomas first won election as mayor of Trion in 2000, later served on the Trion city council and returned as mayor, and is president of Georgia Municipal Association District One, per the campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

John Bentley "Jack" Zibluk

Democratic

Top priorities

From the campaign site

Coordination of regional economic development
Local control of state roads to improve public safety
Greater access to and support for mental health facilities

Biography

Zibluk is an award-winning educator and journalist who teaches media history and the First Amendment, per the campaign site. The site says Zibluk is a long-time journalist, per the campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Next on your ballotGeorgia House District 2

See your full ballot

Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Georgia Senate District 53 in 2026?

2 candidates are tracked for Georgia Senate District 53, headed to a November 3, 2026 runoff: Lanny Thomas and John Bentley "Jack" Zibluk. Candidate information follows official Catoosa County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below. See where they stand on public safety and jobs.

When is the Georgia Senate District 53 election in Georgia?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Georgia are on the Georgia election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Catoosa County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Catoosa County and state election office filings. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Georgia election office, or see the full Catoosa County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Catoosa County ballot

3 tracked races in Catoosa County, Georgia. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

Georgia House District 3 See all 3 Catoosa County races

Candidate profiles

Lanny Thomas, full profile John Bentley "Jack" Zibluk, full profile Official Georgia election office