Georgia GOP Governor's Race Turns Messy as Candidates Clash Over Finances, Smears

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and businessman Rick Jackson trade accusations of defamation and unfair campaign tactics.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Republican primary for Georgia governor has become a heated battle between Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and businessman Rick Jackson, with the two candidates trading lawsuits and accusations over campaign finances, negative ads, and alleged dishonest tactics. The race has intensified as polling suggests it is tightening, with Jackson filing a defamation lawsuit over claims made by Jones' campaign and Jones doubling down on attacks against Jackson's business record.

Why it matters

The messy GOP primary in Georgia's governor's race highlights the increasingly divisive and combative nature of Republican politics, as candidates fight for the party's nomination. The outcome could have major implications for the state's political landscape and policy direction.

The details

Jackson, the founder of a healthcare staffing company, has accused Jones' campaign of defamation over social media posts alleging Jackson "made his fortune recruiting for Planned Parenthood" and "helping doctors perform transgender procedures on minors." Jackson's lawsuit claims these allegations are false and were published deliberately to damage his reputation among conservative voters. Meanwhile, Jones' campaign has responded by launching a public messaging campaign criticizing Jackson's business record and directing voters to a website attacking the businessman's background. The two candidates are also battling over campaign finance rules, with Jackson previously suing over a fundraising mechanism used by Jones known as a leadership committee that allowed the lieutenant governor to raise unlimited donations.

  • The defamation lawsuit was filed by Jackson in Fulton County Superior Court in the past week.
  • The Republican primary in Georgia is scheduled for May 19, 2026.

The players

Burt Jones

The current lieutenant governor of Georgia who is running for the Republican nomination for governor. Jones entered the race with strong backing from Georgia Republicans and a major endorsement from former President Donald Trump.

Rick Jackson

A businessman and the founder of the Georgia-based healthcare staffing company Jackson Healthcare. Jackson is a political newcomer who has pledged up to $50 million of his own money to his campaign for the Republican nomination for governor.

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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)

What’s next

A federal judge has temporarily blocked Jones' leadership committee from raising or spending money to help his 2026 campaign while the legal challenge continues.

The takeaway

The escalating feud between Jones and Jackson highlights the increasingly divisive and combative nature of Republican politics as candidates fight for the party's nomination. The outcome of this messy primary could have major implications for Georgia's political landscape and policy direction.