Business owner Rick Jackson launches Republican bid for Georgia governor

Jackson is bidding to succeed Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, who can't run again because he's term-limited.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:15pm

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Health care business owner Rick Jackson announced his Republican run for governor in Georgia on Tuesday, shaking up a field of candidates that had seemed settled for months. Jackson is pledging to spend $50 million of his own money on his campaign and is touting a sharply conservative message and rags-to-riches background.

Why it matters

Jackson's entry into the race adds another high-profile Republican candidate to the Georgia governor's race, which could make a June 16 runoff more likely if no one wins a majority in the May 19 primary. The race is seen as a key battleground in the 2024 presidential election.

The details

Jackson is vying with Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who has already been endorsed by President Donald Trump, as well as with Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Attorney General Chris Carr. Jackson dismissed them as 'career politicians' who 'are going to do nothing, get rich and keep you in the dark.' He is pledging to spend $50 million of his own money on his campaign and is touting a sharply conservative message, including support for 'criminal deportations' and a promise to purge schools of 'woke ideology.' Jackson has also pledged to cut the state income tax in half and freeze property taxes.

  • Jackson announced his Republican run for governor in Georgia on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.
  • The May 19 primary and June 16 runoff are key dates in the Georgia governor's race.

The players

Rick Jackson

A health care business owner who is running as a Republican candidate for governor of Georgia.

Brian Kemp

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

Burt Jones

The Republican lieutenant governor of Georgia, who has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

Brad Raffensperger

The Republican secretary of state of Georgia.

Chris Carr

The Republican attorney general of Georgia.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.