Rick Jackson, a billionaire healthcare executive, has won the Republican runoff for Georgia governor. CBS News projects that Jackson has defeated Lt. Gov. Burt Jones to secure the GOP nomination.
This victory concludes one of Georgia’s most contentious Republican primary battles in recent years, marked by lawsuits and intense campaigning. Jackson entered the race as a self-proclaimed conservative outsider, pledging $50 million of his own money to reshape the contest. His campaign and allied spending, as reported by AdImpact, exceeded $50 million in television ads before the runoff.
Jackson’s personal story served as a vital component of his campaign. He grew up in poverty, moving through foster homes and various schools, and lived in Atlanta’s Techwood Homes projects. He went on to build Jackson Healthcare, a company operating nationwide, serving over 20 million patients annually, and generating over $3 billion in revenue.
Attorney General Chris Carr, who finished fourth in the May primary, endorsed Jackson, describing him as a “successful businessman and political outsider.” Texas Sen. Ted Cruz also endorsed Jackson shortly before the runoff.
Despite entering the runoff as the frontrunner, Jones faced challenges from Jackson. Jones had the backing of President Trump, who endorsed him since August 2025 and praised him as the first Georgia State Assembly member to support his presidential bid. A former University of Georgia football letterman, Jones served as Georgia’s 13th lieutenant governor.
The race between Jackson and Jones turned negative. Jackson sued Jones in federal court over fundraising advantages linked to a leadership committee and filed a defamation lawsuit after Jones’ campaign made damaging allegations against him.
“Both candidates shared similar policy platforms, focusing on tax cuts, law enforcement, immigration control, and opposing woke ideology in schools. This left biography and political allegiance as deciding factors,” said a political analyst.
Jackson will face former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, the Democratic nominee, in the November general election.
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