Leland Olinger II

Leland Olinger II

Do you have a photo that could go here? Click here to submit it for this profile!

---

Republican Party

Candidate, Governor of Georgia

Elections and appointments

Next election

November 3, 2026

Education

High school

Northridge High School

Associate

Elkhart Area Career Center, 1993

Personal

Birthplace

Elkhart, Ind.

Religion

Christianity

Profession

Activist

Leland Olinger II (Republican Party) (also known as Jake) is running for election for Governor of Georgia. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.

Olinger completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Leland Olinger II was born in Elkhart, Indiana. He earned a high school diploma from Northridge High School and an associate degree from the Elkhart Area Career Center in 1993. His career experience includes working in the manufacturing and service industries, and as an activist.

Elections

2026

See also: Georgia gubernatorial election, 2026

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for Governor of Georgia

The following candidates are running in the general election for Governor of Georgia on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Keisha Bottoms (D)
		Olu Brown (D)
		Geoff Duncan (D)
		Jason Esteves (D)
		Derrick Jackson (D)
		Ruwa Romman (D)
		Michael Thurmond (D)
		Chris Carr (R)
	Submit photo	Clark Dean (R)
		Burt Jones (R)
	Submit photo	Gregg Kirkpatrick (R)
	Submit photo	Leland Olinger II (R)
		Brad Raffensperger (R)

---

	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.

2024

See also: Georgia State Senate elections, 2024

General election

General election for Georgia State Senate District 25

Incumbent Ricky Williams won election in the general election for Georgia State Senate District 25 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ricky Williams (R)	100.0	80,234

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 80,234
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Georgia State Senate District 25

Incumbent Ricky Williams defeated Leland Olinger II in the Republican primary for Georgia State Senate District 25 on May 21, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ricky Williams	87.6	11,583
	Submit photo	Leland Olinger II	12.4	1,634

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 13,217
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Olinger in this election.

2022

See also: Georgia State Senate elections, 2022

General election

General election for Georgia State Senate District 25

Ricky Williams defeated Valerie Rodgers in the general election for Georgia State Senate District 25 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ricky Williams (R)	61.7	46,289
	Submit photo	Valerie Rodgers (D)	38.3	28,777

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 75,066
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Georgia State Senate District 25

Valerie Rodgers advanced from the Democratic primary for Georgia State Senate District 25 on May 24, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Valerie Rodgers	100.0	10,275

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 10,275
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Georgia State Senate District 25

Ricky Williams defeated Rick Jeffares, Leland Olinger II, and Daniela Sullivan-Marzahl in the Republican primary for Georgia State Senate District 25 on May 24, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ricky Williams	51.7	12,771
		Rick Jeffares	41.8	10,334
	Submit photo	Leland Olinger II	3.7	908
	Submit photo	Daniela Sullivan-Marzahl	2.8	694

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 24,707
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Leland Olinger II completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Olinger's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Leland “Jake” Olinger is a Republican candidate for Governor of Georgia in 2026. A former stay-at-home dad, advocate, and songwriter, he has built his campaign on family law reform, marijuana legalization, mental health support, and economic reform. Olinger previously ran for Georgia State Senate in 2022 and 2024, growing his support significantly. He is also the founder of the nonprofit Big Daddy J Breaking Cycles, focused on breaking patterns of abuse and supporting families.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• 1. Fix the System, Protect Families – Reform family law, child support enforcement, and mental health services so parents and children are supported, not punished.
• Keep More in Your Pocket – Real tax reform that lowers burdens on working families while rewarding businesses that invest in Georgia communities.
• Legalize, Grow, Prosper – Legalize marijuana to boost Georgia’s economy, create jobs, and give families and small businesses new opportunities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about policies that keep families together. Too often, government systems divide parents and children instead of supporting them. My focus is on strengthening family unity — making sure parents aren’t punished for being disabled or struggling financially, ensuring kids have the stability they deserve, and creating a system that protects families instead of tearing them apart.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristic of an elected official is being available and responsive to the people they serve. Too many politicians disappear once they’re elected, but I believe leadership means listening, answering, and staying connected with voters every step of the w

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first major historical event I remember was the eruption of Mount St. Helens in 1980. I was born in 1974, so I was 6 years old at the time. Another event that stands out in my memory is the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986. I was 11 years old and in detention when it happened — I remember watching it unfold in real tim

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I trimmed Christas trees it was a summer job

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book isn’t one that’s been published yet — it’s the one I’m writing, titled Digital Lies. So far, I’ve completed 13 chapters and continue adding to it. For me, this project is more than just a story; it’s proof that I’ve worked past one of my greatest struggles — putting my ideas on paper despite anxiety. Finding the right tools gave me the ability to organize my thoughts, stay disciplined, and turn an obstacle into something creative and meaningful. This book represents not only a story I want to share, but also the personal victory of overcoming a challenge that once held me back.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of my biggest struggles has been putting my ideas on paper, largely because of anxiety. I’ve always had a clear vision of what I wanted to say, but translating that into writing was difficult. Over time, I learned to turn that struggle into strength — finding tools and ways to organize my thoughts so I could share them clearly. That experience taught me resilience and gave me a deeper understanding of how many people face unseen battles, which makes me more determined to listen, connect, and lead with empathy.

Governors have many responsibilities, which vary from state to state. Which of those do you personally consider the most important in your state?

First and foremost, the most important responsibility is taking care of the people of Georgia — making sure families have security, opportunity, and a fair shot. Right alongside that is taking care of the businesses that employ our citizens, because strong communities are built on strong local economies. When we protect our people and support the businesses that keep them working, Georgia prospers. A governor’s role is to balance both — standing up for families, encouraging growth, and making sure government is a partner in success, not an obstacle.

Different states require governors to have different degrees of responsibility for the state budgeting process. If it were your choice, what do you believe is the appropriate degree of gubernatorial involvement with this process in your state?

The governor should be fully involved in the budgeting process to keep the balance fair for workers, businesses, and investors alike. Georgia needs a tax system that’s truly balanced — one that rewards businesses for taking care of their employees, their investors, and the communities they operate in. That kind of leadership ensures prosperity is shared and growth benefits everyone, not just the top.

In most states, governors have the power to make line-item vetoes. If that is true in your state, what would be your philosophy for how and when to use this power?

This is a powerful tool to use, and I would treat it with the seriousness it deserves. If a budget item does not benefit all parties involved in a positive way — the people, the workers, the businesses, and the communities of Georgia — it would get vetoed. The line-item veto isn’t about playing politics; it’s about protecting taxpayers from waste, ensuring fairness, and making sure every dollar is spent where it truly makes a difference. Used wisely, it keeps the budget honest and accountable.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature is built on mutual respect and a firm commitment to work together for Georgia. Even when there are disagreements, the focus should always return to finding common ground that serves the people. A governor should lead with strength but also with openness — guiding the conversation, listening to legislators, and keeping every debate centered on how to make life better for Georgia families and businesses. That balance of respect, firmness, and cooperation is what delivers real results.

What do you love most about your state?

What I love most about Georgia is that it’s home — the only place I’ve truly felt comfortable for half my life. Georgia has a spirit like no other: strong, welcoming communities, proud traditions, and people who don’t just talk about values, they live them. From the small towns to the big cities, there’s a sense of resilience and heart here that makes me proud to call it my home.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

The greatest challenges Georgia faces over the next decade are in jobs and housing. Right now, because of regulations and loopholes, too many companies avoid offering full-time work — cutting people back to 32-hour weeks to dodge health insurance obligations, or relying heavily on temporary positions. That creates a cycle: temporary jobs lead to temporary housing, and families can’t build stability. My tax reform and finance laws are designed to break that cycle — rewarding businesses that provide stable, full-time jobs and helping working families secure long-term housing. When people have steady work and a permanent place to call home, Georgia thrives.

Under what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers?

The governor should use emergency powers only when the circumstances demand immediate action and existing legislation does not fit the moment or serve Georgians well. Emergency powers are not meant to replace the normal process of lawmaking — they are meant to protect lives, maintain order, and respond quickly when the people of Georgia face urgent threats. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a public safety crisis, or an economic emergency, the guiding principle must always be: does this action safeguard Georgians and move the state forward? If not, it should not be used.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

Georgia does not currently have a ballot initiative process — and I believe we need one. Ballot initiatives give the people a direct voice on the issues that matter most, instead of leaving every decision to politicians and lobbyists. For example, in 2020, a Republican sample ballot question asked voters about marijuana legalization, and nearly half said yes. That showed us what we already know: more Georgians support reform than oppose it. With a true ballot initiative process, the people could move issues like this forward themselves and ensure that government reflects the will of the voters, not the special interests.

A governor is the top executive authority in his or her state. What does that mean to you?

To me, being Governor means holding the seat where I know the people of Georgia will truly get their voice. It’s not about power for myself — it’s about making sure every Georgian, from working families to small business owners, finally has leadership that listens, responds, and acts in their best interest. This office should be the people’s seat, and I intend to use it to give them the voice they’ve been denied for far too long.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

It’s hard to choose just one story, because so many of the struggles I’ve heard from people across Georgia mirror my own. Parents fighting to keep their families together, small business owners stretched thin, workers trying to survive on unstable jobs — their voices have stayed with me. What touched me most is that after sharing their stories, so many of them looked me in the eye and said, “You need to run for Governor.” Hearing that over and over again from everyday Georgians and small businesses across the state wasn’t just encouragement — it was a call to action. Their trust and their hope are what drive me forward, because I know I’m not just carrying my story, I’m carrying theirs too.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

An accomplishment I’m most proud of is staying strong when life tried to put me down. I’ve faced moments of deep depression and feelings of worthlessness, but I refused to let them define me. Instead, I chose to move forward — to turn pain into purpose. Out of those struggles came my advocacy, my nonprofit work, my music, and my campaign. Each step I’ve taken has been about proving that no matter how hard life hits, you can rise again, stronger and with more determination to make a difference for others who are struggling too.

What role should your state’s government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

AI is a tool — and when used properly, it can help government operate in real time with the people. I believe Georgia should use AI to increase transparency and accountability. Imagine a system where legislators can instantly see what voters in their districts want on key issues, and voters can just as easily see whether their representatives are voting in line with them. That kind of open, real-time connection between the people and their government is exactly how AI should be used — not to replace human judgment, but to strengthen democracy and trust.

What legislation would you want to sign related to election administration in your state?

1. Strengthen Voter Access and Trust

Georgia should ensure election laws prioritize ease and protection for every voter. That means resisting overly broad expansion of voter-challenge criteria—such as those in SB 189, which raised concerns about possibly disenfranchising vulnerable groups like the homeless or those with nontraditional addresses . We must defend against laws that discourage participation rather than encourage it.

2. Safeguard Against Administrative Overreach
Georgia’s State Election Board recently approved hand-count rules allowing poll workers to count ballots manually—a controversial change criticized for potentially delaying results and exceeding the board’s authority . As governor, I’d support legislation that prevents administrative bodies from imposing election-altering procedures on short notice—ensuring changes to process follow proper legislative review and avoid undermining timely certification.

3. Enhance Transparency and Accountability
We need stronger certification safeguards to protect election integrity. Courts have already blocked rules enabling county officials to delay or refuse certification under vague “reasonable inquiry” provisions  . I’d back legislative efforts clearly defining certification duties—removing ambiguity that could allow partisan interference or obstruction in concluding election results.

4. Promote Secure and Inclusive Voting Infrastructure

While Georgia has made strides—like expanding early voting and tightening voter identification—new challenges persist. For example, vulnerabilities in the voter cancellation portal have raised alarm among cybersecurity and civil rights groups . I’d champion laws mandating stronger protections against cyber threats in election systems, preserving both accessibility and security.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

2024

Leland Olinger II did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

2022

Leland Olinger II did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign finance summary

---

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

---

Leland Olinger II campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	Georgia State Senate District 25	Lost primary	$0	$0
2022	Georgia State Senate District 25	Lost primary	$0	$0
Grand total			$0	$0
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

See also

2026 Elections

What's on the ballot? U.S. Congress U.S. Congress special elections State executives State legislatures State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards Election analysis hub

Government

Who represents me? U.S. Congress State executives State legislators State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards

Newsletters

The Daily Brew The Weekly Brew The Ballot Bulletin Checks and Balances Economy and Society Hall Pass Number of the Day Robe & Gavel Union Station

External links

Search Google News for this topic

Footnotes

2026 state executive official elections

Governor

Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Florida • Georgia • Guam • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Iowa • Kansas • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Mexico • New York • Northern Mariana Islands • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Vermont • U.S. Virgin Islands • Wisconsin • Wyoming

Lieutenant Governor

Alabama • Alaska • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Florida • Georgia • Guam • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Iowa • Kansas • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Nebraska • Nevada • New Mexico • New York • Northern Mariana Islands • Ohio • Oklahoma • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Texas • Vermont • U.S. Virgin Islands • Wisconsin

Attorney General

Alabama • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Guam • Idaho • Illinois • Iowa • Kansas • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Nebraska • Nevada • New Mexico • New York • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Texas • Vermont • Wisconsin

Secretary of State

Alabama • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Georgia • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Nebraska • Nevada • New Mexico • North Dakota • Ohio • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Vermont • Wisconsin • Wyoming

Treasurer

Alabama • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Massachusetts • Nebraska • Nevada • New Mexico • Ohio • Oklahoma • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Vermont • Wisconsin • Wyoming

Auditor

Alabama • Arkansas • Delaware • Iowa • Massachusetts • Minnesota • Missouri • Nebraska • New Mexico • Ohio • Oklahoma • South Dakota • Vermont • Wyoming

Comptroller

California • Connecticut • Idaho • Illinois • Maryland • Nevada • New York • South Carolina • Texas

Education officials

Alabama (board of education) • Arizona (superintendent) • California (superintendent) • Colorado (board of education) • Colorado (board of regent) • District of Columbia (board of education) • Georgia (superintendent) • Guam (education board) • Idaho (superintendent) • Kansas (board of education) • Michigan (board of education) • Michigan (board of regent) • Michigan (board of trustees) • Michigan (board of governors) • Nebraska (board of education) • Nebraska (board of regents) • Nevada (board of regents) • New Mexico (board of education) • Northern Mariana Islands (board of education) • Ohio (board of education) • Oklahoma (superintendent) • South Carolina (superintendent) • Texas (board of education) • Utah (board of education) • U.S. Virgin Islands (board of education) • Wyoming (superintendent)

Commissioners

Alabama (agriculture) • Alabama (public service) • Arizona (corporation) • Arizona (mine inspector) • Arkansas (public lands) • California (board of equalization) • California (insurance) • Florida (agriculture) • Georgia (agriculture) • Georgia (labor) • Georgia (insurance) • Georgia (public service) • Guam (utilities) • Hawaii (Hawaiian affairs) • Iowa (agriculture) • Kansas (insurance) • Louisiana (public service) • Massachusetts (governor's council) • Montana (public service) • Nebraska (public service) • New Hampshire (executive council) • New Mexico (public lands) • North Dakota (agriculture) • North Dakota (public service) • North Dakota (tax) • Oklahoma (corporation) • Oklahoma (insurance) • Oklahoma (labor) • Oregon (labor) • South Carolina (agriculture) • South Dakota (public lands) • South Dakota (public utilities) • Texas (agriculture) • Texas (public lands) • Texas (railroad)