In the second round of the Republican primary to select the gubernatorial candidate in Georgia, billionaire businessman Rick Jackson defeated incumbent Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. Despite Trump's endorsement, Jones was unable to surpass Jackson at the polls.
The election was held to determine the successor to Republican Governor Brian Kemp, whose term is ending. Jackson will now compete in the general election this fall against former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who secured the Democratic nomination in the first round with a majority.
Jackson drew attention by spending over $100 million of his own money during the campaign. Since announcing his candidacy in February, he has positioned himself as a businessman coming from outside the political system.
In the final week, Jackson also received support from Republican Senator Ted Cruz. At an event held just before the election, Cruz praised Jackson's extraordinary life story and strong chances of winning.
Jones frequently emphasized Trump's endorsement throughout the race. He also pointed out that Jackson had previously donated to Democrats and some anti-Trump Republicans, arguing that Jackson was not aligned with the MAGA wing.
Jackson rejected these criticisms, calling them false. Jones, meanwhile, said that despite Trump's support, he expected more grassroots backing and argued that outside endorsements would not give him an advantage.
In the first round of the Republican primary in Georgia, Jones and Jackson emerged as the top two candidates from a crowded field that included State Attorney General Chris Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Since no candidate surpassed 50%, the race proceeded to a runoff.
Jones is known as the former captain of the University of Georgia football team. He also worked as an executive in the oil industry and is recognized as the heir to the Jones Petroleum Company family. Before being elected lieutenant governor in 2022, he served as a state senator.
Kemp supported Jones before the election. The governor argued that the strongest candidate could win the November election and said Jones was the person to move the state forward instead of Jackson.
Trump's test in Georgia once again measured his influence over the Republican Party. While some candidates endorsed by Trump have gained advantages in various states in recent weeks, in some races this influence did not produce the same result.
The outcome in Georgia became one of the latest examples showing that Trump's endorsement alone does not determine every race. Jackson is now preparing for the general election campaign by emphasizing his business background and outsider candidate identity.
