Rick Jackson defeats Trump-backed Burt Jones in Georgia GOP governor runoff
Billionaire political newcomer Rick Jackson defeated Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the Georgia Republican gubernatorial runoff on June 16, 2026, securing 53% of the vote. Jones was endorsed by both Donald Trump and incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp. Jackson, who spent over $100 million of his own money, will face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in the general election. The outcome is seen as a blow to Trump’s endorsement influence in the battleground state.
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Billionaire Rick Jackson Wins Georgia Republican Gubernatorial Runoff, Defeats Trump-Backed Opponent
Billionaire healthcare staffing entrepreneur Rick Jackson won the Republican gubernatorial runoff in Georgia on June 16, 2026, defeating Trump-endorsed Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. Jackson, founder of the $3 billion revenue medical conglomerate Jackson Healthcare, spent over $100 million of his personal fortune on the campaign. He will face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Atlanta mayor, in the November general election. Jackson's rags-to-riches story includes growing up in public housing, foster care, and building one of the largest private medical staffing companies in the U.S. He campaigns as an outsider promising tax cuts, crackdowns on illegal immigration, and healthcare reform.
Forbes - BusinessBillionaire Rick Jackson Wins Georgia GOP Gubernatorial Runoff, Trump Offers Praise
Billionaire political newcomer Rick Jackson defeated Trump-endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the Georgia Republican gubernatorial runoff on June 16, 2026, securing 53% of the vote. Despite having endorsed Jones, President Donald Trump congratulated Jackson on Truth Social, claiming Jackson ran a 'great TRUMP campaign' and taking partial credit for the win. Jackson, founder of Jackson Healthcare, spent over $100 million of his own fortune. He will face Democratic nominee and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in the general election, which is expected to be close. The article also notes that billionaire Tom Steyer failed to make the California gubernatorial runoff, while Vivek Ramaswamy won the Ohio GOP gubernatorial primary.
Forbes - BusinessTrump’s endorsement power just met its $100M limit
In a significant political development, billionaire Rick Jackson defeated Trump-endorsed candidate Burt Jones in the Georgia governor primary runoff election. Jackson self-funded his campaign with over $100 million, effectively neutralizing the power of former President Donald Trump's endorsement. The result marks a notable limit to Trump's influence in Republican primaries, as Jackson's massive personal spending overwhelmed the traditional endorsement advantage. The runoff was closely watched as a test of Trump's continued sway over the GOP base. Jackson, a first-time candidate, leveraged his wealth to dominate advertising and ground operations. The outcome signals that money can, in some cases, outweigh political endorsements, even from a figure as influential as Trump. The race also highlighted divisions within the Georgia Republican Party and raised questions about the role of self-funding billionaires in elections.
Top stories - Google NewsBillionaire Rick Jackson Upsets Trump-Backed Burt Jones In Georgia GOP Governor Runoff
In the Georgia Republican gubernatorial runoff, billionaire political newcomer Rick Jackson defeated heavily favored Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, who was backed by Donald Trump and received a last-minute endorsement from incumbent Governor Brian Kemp. Jackson won 53% of the vote to Jones' 47%, with the race called by the Associated Press. Jackson spent more than $100 million of his own wealth on the campaign, breaking state spending records. He will face Democratic nominee and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in the general election. The general election is expected to be highly competitive, as Georgia has become a battleground state in recent years, though it has not elected a Democratic governor since 1998. Jackson, aged 72, built his fortune through Jackson Healthcare, a medical staffing conglomerate, and emphasizes his rags-to-riches background growing up in foster care.
Forbes - BusinessBurt Jones loses Georgia GOP governor runoff to Rick Jackson, dealing Trump a major blow
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones (R), backed by both President Donald Trump and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, is projected to lose the Republican runoff for Georgia governor to healthcare executive and billionaire Rick Jackson, according to Decision Desk HQ. Jones’s defeat marks another statewide primary loss for Trump’s endorsement record, signaling potential fractures within the Georgia GOP. Jackson, a political newcomer and wealthy healthcare entrepreneur, will now face the Democratic nominee in the general election for governor of Georgia.
Just In NewsLive results: Jones, Jackson face off for GOP nod in Georgia's governor race
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones (R) and billionaire Rick Jackson are competing in a runoff election on Tuesday to become the Republican nominee for governor of Georgia. The runoff was triggered after neither candidate secured a majority in the primary vote last month. Jones is backed by former President Donald Trump. The winner will succeed term-limited Governor Brian Kemp (R) and face the Democratic nominee in the general election. The race is a key contest in Georgia's upcoming gubernatorial election.
Just In NewsBrian Kemp endorses Burt Jones in Georgia’s gubernatorial runoff
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp endorsed Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones in the state's contentious GOP gubernatorial runoff, just days before the Tuesday election. The endorsement aligns Kemp with President Donald Trump, who also supports Jones. Kemp's public blessing comes after months of staying on the sidelines and could boost Jones against billionaire Rick Jackson, who has spent $100 million of his own money on the race. The runoff has become a test of political influence for both Trump and Kemp in the battleground state. Recent polls show a tight contest, with Jackson leading in one survey and Jones ahead in another. Kemp's endorsement post praised Jones as a 'strong, trusted ally' and took aim at Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms, while avoiding mention of Jackson.
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