John Flanders Kennedy (born August 20, 1965) is anAmerican politician. He is a former member of theGeorgia State Senate from the 18th district, serving from 2015 to 2025. He is a member of theRepublican Party.^[1][2]

Kennedy served as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate from January 2023 until his announcement on June 2, 2025, that he will run for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia. Per Rule 1-1.2 (f) of the Georgia Senate, "In the event the President Pro Tempore publicly announces an intention to run for an elected office other than his or her State Senate seat, files a declaration of intention to accept campaign contributions for such office, or qualifies to run for such office, the office of the President Pro Tempore shall be deemed vacant," meaning the office is therefore vacant automatically. He resigned from the chamber in December 2025 in order to focus on his campaign.^[3]

Kennedy was unopposed in the2020 election,^[4] as well as the2018 election and2016 election.^[5][6]

Kennedywon reelection in 2022 with a vote share of 64.4%.^[7]

In January 2024, Kennedy co-sponsored S.B. 390, which would withhold government funding for any libraries in Georgia affiliated with theAmerican Library Association. The bill was drafted following the election of ALA PresidentEmily Drabinski and allegations of the organization promoting a personal ideology and influencing librarian certification.^[8][9][10]

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