ATLANTA, Ga. — Georgia Lt. Gov.-elect Josh McLaurin says he wants to work with Republicans on health care and affordability, even as their narrow majority in the state Senate could complicate the incoming Democratic leadership’s agenda.

In an exclusive, post-election interview, McLaurin pointed to Medicaid expansion, housing costs and child care as priorities he shares with Gov.-elect Keisha Lance Bottoms. He also said he hopes Senate Republicans will agree to a power-sharing arrangement that allows both parties to advance legislation.

“What we’re going to ask the Republicans to do is to work with us and to try to find bipartisan common ground to move Georgia forward on these cost-of-living issues,” McLaurin said.

A narrow Republican majority

Republicans hold a 29-27 advantage in the Senate, McLaurin said, a margin that could give them control over the chamber’s rules and shape the powers of the lieutenant governor, who presides over the Senate.

He acknowledged the majority could be a roadblock for Democratic legislation. But he argued the tight margin would make it difficult for Republicans to govern without Democratic cooperation, noting that a bill needs 29 votes to pass the 56-member chamber.

McLaurin said he hopes to discuss a rules package that would share some power with Democrats and create a working environment for both parties.

“Wouldn’t it be great if we really could work together on bipartisan solutions?” he said.

McLaurin said he and Bottoms have yet to sit down for a full policy discussion since the election, but they discussed shared priorities on the campaign trail. Those priorities, he said, include expanding Medicaid, making housing more affordable and investing in child care.

He also criticized Georgia’s six-week abortion ban, arguing that doctors are reluctant to treat women because they fear prosecution under the law. He described the issue as a matter of health care.

McLaurin said he spent time during his campaign talking with voters in rural areas about their concerns, including issues affecting farmers. He said Democrats need to be open to voters across party lines.

Asked whether he had spoken with Republican senators about changing parties to give Democrats a majority, McLaurin said, “I am not a huge fan of going to Republicans and saying, ‘Hey, I want you to switch parties,’” he said.

McLaurin said voters should be able to trust that elected officials will follow through on the promises they made to their communities, even when cooperation requires working with lawmakers who disagree with them.

McLaurin attributed the election results in part to opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies, citing tariffs, immigration enforcement and the war with Iran. He characterized the outcome as a collapse of Trump’s political coalition and said independent voters and some Republicans supported Democrats.

The lieutenant governor-elect also said his campaign was aimed at building a broad coalition, not just appealing to Democrats.

“I have tried to run myself the most open-armed campaign possible to bring in the largest coalition possible,” he said.

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