Trump Endorses Rick Jackson for Georgia Governor Post-Primary

After his initial choice for Georgia governor lost in the Republican primary, President Donald Trump shifted support to Rick Jackson, encouraging GOP unity behind the nominee in a major gubernatorial race. Trump’s endorsement came after he backed Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, who lost to Jackson in a primary upset—a setback for a Trump-endorsed candidate this election cycle.

Trump commended Jackson’s campaign and acknowledged Burt Jones’ prospects, stating, “Jackson ran a great TRUMP Campaign” and “He won against a great guy, Burt Jones, who has a fantastic future.” Through Truth Social, Trump labeled Jackson a “very successful Businessman and Entrepreneur,” urging Republicans to unite in support for November.

This endorsement highlights Trump’s intent to swiftly solidify backing for the GOP contender in Georgia, expected to be a pivotal battleground in the 2026 midterms. Jackson will face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in the bid to follow term-limited Republican Governor Brian Kemp.

Jackson expressed gratitude for Trump’s endorsement via social media Thursday night, stating, “Just as you’ve brought business solutions to Washington, I’ll bring business solutions to Georgia to lower taxes, strengthen education, keep Georgians safe, and make Georgia the most affordable state in the country.”

Robert Y. Shapiro, a Columbia University professor, commented on Trump’s strategy to support Republicans against Democrats and emphasize party loyalty, especially in battleground states, to activate the Republican base nationwide.

Recent Polling Insights

The race in Georgia remains tightly contested, underscoring the need for Republican unity before the general election. An AARP survey indicated Bottoms with 48 percent over Jackson’s 46 percent among likely voters, a statistical tie within the margin of error. Among voters aged 50 and above, Jackson leads 55 percent to 42 percent.

Bottoms holds a net positive favorability, while Jackson faces a -3 percent net favorability. The survey involved 1,060 participants from July 13 to July 16, with a 3 percent margin of error.

Conversely, a Wick Research poll last month showed Jackson narrowly ahead of Bottoms, with Jackson receiving 43.2 percent support over Bottoms’ 42.7 percent, with 14.1 percent undecided. This poll, too, fell within the margin of error, indicating a statistical tie. Conducted from June 27 to June 30, it surveyed 1,175 likely voters, with a margin of error at 2.9 percent.

A Fox News poll earlier revealed Bottoms leading Jackson, 52 percent to 47 percent. This poll surveyed 1,002 registered Georgia voters from June 23 to June 27, with a 3 percent margin of error.

The Cook Political Report classified the race as a toss-up. Trump won Georgia in the 2024 presidential election with 50.7 percent of the vote against former Vice President Kamala Harris’s 48.5 percent, flipping the state after former President Joe Biden’s 2020 win.

Trump’s challenge of Georgia’s 2020 presidential results included urging Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to “find” votes in a call deemed a “threat.”

Trump’s Record with Endorsements

Trump’s endorsement actions for Jones and Jackson follow successful selections in Arizona. Trump-supported Representative Andy Biggs won the GOP gubernatorial nomination, while former NFL kicker Jay Feely secured Arizona’s 1st Congressional District nomination. These victories affirmed Trump’s influence in Republican primaries, contrasted by Jones’ loss in Georgia.

Trump’s recent endorsements aim to consolidate Republican support post-primary, maintaining influence over party candidates in key races. The success of these endorsements will be closely monitored, especially in contests decided by swing and independent voters.

Trump achieved significant Senate endorsement wins in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Georgia. Nonetheless, Iowa’s GOP primary for governor marked a loss as Representative Randy Feenstra conceded to businessman Zach Lahn.