Billionaire Rick Jackson Stuns with Victory Over Trump-Backed Burt Jones in Georgia Governor Race
In a major upset, Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson has won the Georgia GOP primary, defeating Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. Jackson's victory was fueled by over $100 million of his personal wealth, which he spent to overcome the influence of President Donald Trump's endorsement.
The outcome is a significant blow to Trump, who had endorsed Jones, and also to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, who had backed Jones as his preferred successor. Despite their support, Jones was unable to overcome Jackson's massive spending, which dominated the race and made it difficult for other Republicans to gain traction.
Jackson, a health care executive and Georgia native, had also secured endorsements from notable figures, including Attorney General Chris Carr, and Republican senators Ted Cruz and Rick Scott. Cruz had rallied with Jackson on the eve of the runoff, adding to his campaign's momentum.
Jackson will now face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former Atlanta Mayor, in the general election in November. His win marks a significant milestone in his first run for public office, having built his fortune in the health care industry. Despite facing criticism from conservative members of the Georgia GOP for not being sufficiently pro-Trump, Jackson had rebranded himself as a Trump supporter during the campaign, questioning the 2020 election results and pledging to be the president's "favorite governor".
The outcome is a significant blow to Trump, who had endorsed Jones, and also to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, who had backed Jones as his preferred successor. Despite their support, Jones was unable to overcome Jackson's massive spending, which dominated the race and made it difficult for other Republicans to gain traction.
Jackson, a health care executive and Georgia native, had also secured endorsements from notable figures, including Attorney General Chris Carr, and Republican senators Ted Cruz and Rick Scott. Cruz had rallied with Jackson on the eve of the runoff, adding to his campaign's momentum.
Jackson will now face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former Atlanta Mayor, in the general election in November. His win marks a significant milestone in his first run for public office, having built his fortune in the health care industry. Despite facing criticism from conservative members of the Georgia GOP for not being sufficiently pro-Trump, Jackson had rebranded himself as a Trump supporter during the campaign, questioning the 2020 election results and pledging to be the president's "favorite governor".
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