Billionaire Rick Jackson shakes up Georgia governor's race with $30M ad blitz

Burt Jones, the Republican frontrunner endorsed by Trump, now faces a formidable self-funded challenger.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 12:18pm

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Burt Jones, the current lieutenant governor of Georgia and the presumptive Republican nominee for governor, was dealt a major blow when health care tycoon Rick Jackson unexpectedly entered the race in February and dumped over $30 million of his own money into TV ads. Jackson's massive ad campaign has put Jones, who has Trump's endorsement, on the defensive as he tries to counter Jackson's claims about his conservative credentials.

Why it matters

The Georgia governor's race is a critical battleground, and Jackson's entry has upended the dynamics of the Republican primary. Jones was seen as the inevitable nominee, but Jackson's self-funded campaign has shaken up the race and raised questions about the limits of Trump's influence in the state. The outcome could have significant implications for the 2024 presidential election, as Georgia is a key swing state.

The details

Jones, the current lieutenant governor, was considered the frontrunner due to his family wealth, Trump's endorsement, and his ties to the former president. However, Jackson's decision to enter the race and spend over $30 million on TV ads has put Jones on the defensive. Jackson has consciously evoked Trump's style, even descending in a glass elevator to announce his candidacy. Jones is now trying to counter Jackson by questioning his conservative credentials, noting his history of donating to Republicans other than Trump. The race has become increasingly contentious, with Jones filing a defamation lawsuit against Jackson and Jackson responding with a negative ad blitz.

  • On Feb. 4, Jackson launched his candidacy at his custom-built office park in suburban Alpharetta.
  • In November 2022, a mystery dark money group began a $19 million ad campaign attacking Jones.
  • On Feb. 19, Trump endorsed Jones at an event in Rome, Georgia.

The players

Burt Jones

The current lieutenant governor of Georgia and the presumptive Republican nominee for governor, who has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.

Rick Jackson

A health care tycoon and Republican megadonor who unexpectedly entered the Georgia governor's race in February 2023 and has already spent over $30 million on TV ads.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who has endorsed Burt Jones in the Georgia governor's race.

Keisha Lance Bottoms

A Democratic candidate for Georgia governor and the former mayor of Atlanta.

Geoff Duncan

A Democratic candidate for Georgia governor and the former Republican lieutenant governor of the state.

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What they’re saying

“I saw a so-called front-runner who was as weak as can be and as lazy as the day is long. Really, he wants the title of governor, but not the job.”

— Rick Jackson, Republican candidate for Georgia governor (wral.com)

“Burt Jones has been here and been with you and been with me right from the beginning.”

— Donald Trump (wral.com)

“The Trump endorsement is still valuable to get but can't it be the be-all and end-all. I guess $50 million or whatever Rick Jackson is spending will be a real test of that.”

— Charles Bullock, Political scientist, University of Georgia (wral.com)

What’s next

A federal judge has temporarily cut off a key source of funding for Burt Jones' campaign, ruling that his leadership committee structure is illegal. This could help Rick Jackson maintain a financial advantage over Jones in the final weeks before the May 19 primary election.

The takeaway

The Georgia governor's race has been upended by the entry of self-funded billionaire Rick Jackson, who has already spent over $30 million on TV ads to challenge the presumptive Republican frontrunner Burt Jones. This high-stakes primary battle is testing the limits of Donald Trump's political influence in a crucial swing state, as the former president's endorsed candidate faces a formidable self-funded challenger.