Gov. Nathan Deal on Monday endorsed Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle to succeed him in the governor's office, saying Cagle's leadership and partnership made the successes of the last eight years possible.
In a statement, Deal said Cagle is "the best one to continue this tradition" of passing major reforms through the Legislature. "My concern is, let's not undo or transform in a negative fashion the good reforms that have been put in place. For that reason, I believe that Casey Cagle will be the best candidate for that position as the next governor of our state."
Cagle said Deal "has few equals when it comes to visionary leadership and Christian character. He is a model I hope to follow not just as a governor but as a man, a husband and a father. Our state owes him a debt of gratitude we can't repay.
"Georgia voters strongly approve of Gov. Deal's record of accomplishment. It's one of the greatest honors of my life to have his support in this race."
Cagle and Secretary of State Brian Kemp will meet July 24 in a GOP runoff election in which voters will decide which man will face Democrat Stacey Abrams in November.