Georgia GOP Candidate Sues Lt. Gov. Over Campaign Finance Law

Rick Jackson argues state's "leadership committee" statute gives Burt Jones an unfair fundraising advantage.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Republican gubernatorial candidate Richard L. Jackson has filed a federal lawsuit against Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, alleging the state's "leadership committee" campaign finance law gives Jones an unconstitutional fundraising advantage in the 2026 GOP primary. Jackson is seeking declaratory and injunctive relief, arguing the law violates his First and Fourteenth Amendment rights.

Why it matters

This lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions over campaign finance rules and allegations of an uneven playing field in Georgia politics. It comes just two months after the state's secretary of state filed a similar lawsuit challenging the leadership committee structure.

The details

The lawsuit centers on Georgia's 2021 "leadership committee" law, which Jackson says allows Jones to raise and spend unlimited contributions to benefit his gubernatorial campaign while Jackson remains bound by traditional contribution caps. Jackson's attorneys have asked the court to block enforcement of the law and order Jones to return any excess funds raised through the leadership committee.

  • Jackson declared his candidacy on Feb. 3, 2026.
  • The lawsuit was filed on Feb. 11, 2026.

The players

Richard L. Jackson

Republican candidate for governor of Georgia and plaintiff in the lawsuit.

Burt Jones

Georgia's lieutenant governor and defendant in the lawsuit.

Brad Raffensperger

Georgia's secretary of state, who filed a separate lawsuit challenging the state's campaign finance structure.

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What’s next

The judge will decide whether to grant Jackson's request for a preliminary injunction to block enforcement of the leadership committee law.

The takeaway

This lawsuit highlights ongoing debates over campaign finance rules and allegations of an uneven playing field in Georgia politics, with the outcome potentially impacting the dynamics of the 2026 Republican gubernatorial primary.