Billionaire businessman Rick Jackson secured the Republican nomination for Georgia governor on Tuesday, defeating Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Jackson's victory marks a rare setback for Trump's endorsement power, which had previously been nearly unassailable in GOP primaries this election cycle.
Jackson, a self-funded candidate, spent over $100 million of his own money on the campaign, outspending Jones significantly. His victory was projected by NBC News and the Associated Press shortly after polls closed, with Jackson leading by a margin of 53% to 47% with nearly 80% of votes counted. The runoff followed a May primary where neither candidate secured a majority, forcing a second round.
Jackson, who positioned himself as a political outsider, will now face Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms in the November general election. The race is expected to be closely watched as Georgia remains a key battleground state.
Trump's endorsement of Jones was not enough to secure victory, though it did help Jones win the initial primary. In other races, Trump-backed candidates saw mixed results. Rep. Barry Moore won Alabama's Senate runoff, while Trump-endorsed candidates in Oklahoma advanced to runoffs after failing to secure a majority in crowded primaries. Rep. Mike Collins, who received an 11th-hour endorsement from Trump, won Georgia's Senate runoff but faced criticism for a narrow victory.
Jackson's campaign emphasized his outsider status and personal story, including his rise from poverty to building a healthcare empire. He secured endorsements from figures like Sen. Ted Cruz and Attorney General Chris Carr, contrasting with Jones's establishment backing from Trump and Gov. Brian Kemp.
The race was marked by intense campaigning, including lawsuits, defamation claims, and a mobile billboard campaign. Jackson's victory highlights the growing influence of self-funded candidates in Republican primaries, even against candidates with high-profile endorsements.