Georgia Lt. Governor Burt Jones Takes Aim at Rival Rick Jackson

Legislation could make it harder for billionaire businessman to run for governor

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:28am

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A dynamic, abstract painting with overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in navy, green, and orange, conceptually representing the clash between two political rivals.The intense political rivalry between two powerful Georgia gubernatorial candidates is playing out through legislative maneuvers that could impact their business interests.Atlanta Today

Georgia Lt. Governor Burt Jones is backing legislation that could impact the gubernatorial campaign of his top rival, billionaire Rick Jackson. As president of the state Senate, Jones has the power to decide what bills get a vote, and he is pushing a measure that would force Jackson's health care staffing firm to give up state contracts if he wants to stay in the race for governor.

Why it matters

The legislative clash is the latest sign of the bad blood between the lieutenant governor and the billionaire in Georgia's high-dollar governor's race. This move by Jones highlights the intense political rivalry and the lengths candidates may go to gain an advantage in a heated primary contest.

The details

The legislation pushed by Lt. Governor Jones would require any company owned by a candidate for statewide office to forfeit state contracts. This would directly impact Rick Jackson, whose health care staffing firm holds lucrative state contracts. By forcing Jackson to choose between his business interests and his gubernatorial campaign, Jones is attempting to put significant pressure on his rival.

  • The legislative clash is playing out during the final day of the Georgia legislative session on April 2, 2026.

The players

Burt Jones

The current lieutenant governor of Georgia who is backing legislation that could impact the gubernatorial campaign of his top rival, billionaire Rick Jackson.

Rick Jackson

A billionaire businessman who is running against Lt. Governor Burt Jones in the Georgia governor's race. Jackson's health care staffing firm holds lucrative state contracts that could be impacted by the legislation pushed by Jones.

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What’s next

The legislation pushed by Lt. Governor Jones still needs to pass both chambers of the Georgia Legislature before it can be signed into law. This will be a key development to watch as the governor's race heats up.

The takeaway

This political maneuver by Lt. Governor Jones underscores the intense rivalry and high stakes in Georgia's governor's race. By targeting his opponent's business interests, Jones is using his political power to try and gain an advantage, highlighting the lengths candidates will go to win high-profile elections.