Business owner Rick Jackson launches Republican bid for Georgia governor

Jackson, a health care staffing firm executive, is shaking up the GOP field in the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rick Jackson, a health care business owner, has announced his Republican run for governor of Georgia, joining a crowded field of candidates that includes Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, and Attorney General Chris Carr. Jackson is pledging to spend $50 million of his own money on the campaign and is touting a sharply conservative message, including support for 'criminal deportations' and a promise to purge schools of 'woke ideology.' He is also promising to cut the state income tax in half and freeze property taxes.

Why it matters

The Georgia governor's race is shaping up to be a high-profile and competitive contest, with the Republican primary already drawing several well-known candidates. Jackson's entry, and his willingness to self-fund his campaign, could shake up the dynamics of the race and force the other candidates to adjust their strategies.

The details

Jackson is the founder and owner of Jackson Healthcare, one of the largest health care staffing firms in the country. He is pledging to spend $50 million of his own money on the campaign and has already committed to more than $1.2 million in television ad spending in the next week. Jackson is touting a sharply conservative message, including support for 'criminal deportations' and a promise to purge schools of 'woke ideology.' He is also promising to cut the state income tax in half and freeze property taxes.

  • Jackson announced his Republican run for governor on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
  • The Georgia primary election is scheduled for May 19, 2026.

The players

Rick Jackson

A health care business owner who is running for the Republican nomination for governor of Georgia.

Brian Kemp

The current Republican governor of Georgia, who is term-limited and cannot run for re-election.

Burt Jones

The current lieutenant governor of Georgia, who has already been endorsed by former President Donald Trump in the race for governor.

Brad Raffensperger

The current secretary of state of Georgia.

Chris Carr

The current attorney general of Georgia.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“And if we can't cut the state income tax in half and freeze property taxes, I won't run again.”

— Rick Jackson (wral.com)

“The never-Trump lane just got way more expensive and way more crowded.”

— Kayla Lott, Spokesperson for Burt Jones (wral.com)

“Chris is who he has always been: a proven conservative leader with a record of results and the credibility to unite voters across Georgia.”

— Julia Mazzone, Spokesperson for Chris Carr (wral.com)

What’s next

The Republican primary election in Georgia is scheduled for May 19, 2026, and a potential runoff would be held on June 16, 2026. The winner of the Republican primary will face the Democratic nominee in the general election on November 5, 2026.

The takeaway

The entry of Rick Jackson, a wealthy health care executive, into the Georgia governor's race has the potential to shake up the Republican primary and force the other candidates to adjust their strategies. Jackson's willingness to self-fund his campaign and his sharply conservative platform could appeal to some Republican voters, but it remains to be seen whether he can gain traction against the other well-known candidates in the race.