Rick Jackson Wins Republican Runoff for Georgia Governor

Updated on: June 16, 2026 / 9:48 PM EDT / CBS Atlanta

Rick Jackson, a billionaire healthcare executive raised in poverty, has become the Republican nominee for Georgia governor. CBS News projects Jackson’s victory over Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the GOP runoff, marking the end of a heated primary race.

Jackson’s entry into the race in February 2026 dramatically changed the landscape. Pledging up to $50 million of his personal funds, Jackson invested more in his campaign than any other candidate. Advertising data from AdImpact reveals that the campaign and its allies spent over $50 million on television ads leading up to the runoff.

The self-styled conservative outsider leveraged his compelling story: growing up in poor conditions, moving through foster care, and living in the Techwood Homes projects. From these beginnings, he built Jackson Healthcare, a company operating nationwide, serving more than 20 million patients annually, and generating over $3 billion in revenue.

Attorney General Chris Carr endorsed Jackson after finishing fourth in the primary, describing Jackson as a “successful businessman and political outsider” who would continue Brian Kemp’s legacy. Days before the runoff, Jackson received another endorsement from Texas Sen. Ted Cruz.

Jones, initially the frontrunner, had President Trump’s support, receiving endorsement since August 2025. Jones, a former University of Georgia football letterman, served as Georgia’s 13th lieutenant governor since 2022 after years in the State Senate.

The race became contentious, with Jackson taking legal action against Jones. He argued in federal court that a Georgia campaign finance mechanism unfairly aided Jones, resulting in a temporary block on Jones’ fundraising efforts. Furthermore, Jackson filed a defamation lawsuit after accusations related to his business dealings surfaced online, asserting the claims were false and aimed to tarnish his image among conservatives.

Despite negative campaigning, Jackson’s strategy proved effective. Both candidates focused on similar policies, such as tax cuts, law enforcement support, fighting illegal immigration, and resisting perceived woke ideology in schools. However, the election was more about personal stories, campaign financing, and political support.

Jackson will contest against Democratic nominee and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in the general election in November.