Georgia Republicans Choose Rick Jackson Over Trump-Backed Rival in Major Upset

Billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson has secured the Republican nomination for governor of Georgia, defeating Trump-backed Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones in a closely watched runoff that delivered one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 primary season.

Jackson won approximately 53% of the vote to Jones’ 47%, despite Jones enjoying endorsements from both President Donald Trump and outgoing Governor Brian Kemp. The result marks one of Trump’s most notable primary defeats this election cycle and raises questions about the limits of his influence in some high-profile state races.

A political newcomer, Jackson poured more than $100 million of his own money into the campaign, positioning himself as a conservative outsider focused on immigration, economic growth, and government reform. His self-funded effort helped him overcome the support that Jones received from some of the Republican Party’s most influential figures.

The Georgia governor’s race had become a major test of strength within the Republican Party, pitting a wealthy outsider against a candidate closely aligned with Trump’s political movement. Analysts say Jackson’s victory demonstrates that well-funded candidates can still overcome presidential endorsements in competitive statewide contests.

Jackson will now face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in the November general election. Bottoms, a former mayor of Atlanta and former White House official, secured the Democratic nomination earlier and is expected to make the race one of the most closely watched gubernatorial contests in the country.

The runoff election drew more than 488,000 voters, underscoring the high stakes surrounding the battle to succeed term-limited Governor Kemp. With Georgia remaining a critical political battleground, both parties are expected to invest heavily in the race ahead of November.

Meanwhile, Trump scored a victory elsewhere in Georgia, as his endorsed candidate, Mike Collins, won the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate race and will challenge Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in November.