Jackson, Jones Head to Runoff in Georgia GOP Governor’s Race
Two GOP frontrunners head to June runoff after neither secures majority in Tuesday’s primary, setting up expensive final battle for nomination.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and healthcare executive Rick Jackson will face each other in a Republican primary runoff for Georgia governor after neither candidate secured more than 50% of the vote in Tuesday’s election.
The Associated Press called the race at 8:38 p.m. Tuesday, confirming both candidates would advance to the June 16 runoff. The campaign between the two Republican frontrunners will now extend for another four weeks.
Trump-Endorsed Jones Faces Self-Funded Challenge
Jones, who has President Donald Trump’s endorsement, will square off against Jackson, who has positioned himself as an outsider candidate fighting against career politicians. The race has been marked by significant self-funding from both campaigns.
Jackson loaned approximately $83 million of his personal wealth to his campaign, while Jones contributed $19 million of his own money and raised nearly $4.6 million from other sources. Both campaigns operated largely on self-funding throughout the primary.
Candidates Frame Final Stretch
Speaking at his election night watch party in north Atlanta, Jackson emphasized his outsider status and criticized the political establishment.
“I think it’s safe to say we shook up the career politicians and insiders to their core, but the job is not done. We have 28 days to finish it, and the choice could not be more clear or more important,” Jackson said Tuesday night.
Jones responded by attacking Jackson’s massive campaign spending and looking ahead to the general election.
“Tonight Georgia sent a clear message — you can’t buy this state and now, Georgia, it’s time to finish the drill,” Jones said. “We’re ready to win this race and then beat Keisha Lance Bottoms in November to keep Georgia the best place to live, work and raise a family. Georgia’s best days are ahead and I am ready to lead us there.”
Setting Up November Showdown
The winner of the June 16 Republican runoff will face Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms in the November general election. Bottoms, the former Atlanta mayor, secured the Democratic nomination in her primary.
Jackson has distinguished himself throughout the campaign by highlighting Jones’ decade-plus career in politics, positioning himself as the candidate who can shake up the status quo. Jones has leveraged his experience in state government and Trump’s endorsement to appeal to Republican primary voters.
The runoff will be held on June 16, giving both campaigns less than a month to make their final appeals to Georgia Republican voters.
