Georgia Insurance Commissioner Endorses Rick Jackson Over Burt Jones

Jackson has picked up another high-profile endorsement in his bid to become Georgia's next governor.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Rick Jackson has received an endorsement from Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King in his campaign for governor, further complicating the bitter Republican primary battle between Jackson and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. King cited Jackson's ability to 'get things done' as a key reason for his endorsement.

Why it matters

The endorsement from King, who is also running for reelection, provides a boost to Jackson's campaign and underscores the divisive nature of the GOP gubernatorial primary. The race between Jackson and Jones has become increasingly contentious, with the two candidates engaged in a series of lawsuits and accusations.

The details

King, who previously ran briefly for the GOP Senate nomination, cited Jackson's experience and ability to win in November as key factors in his endorsement. Jackson has filed several lawsuits against Jones, including one accusing him of 'acting intentionally and maliciously' by claiming Jackson's company received funding from Planned Parenthood and helped doctors perform transgender procedures on minors. The Georgia State Ethics Commission has also found probable cause that an organization behind attack ads on Jones violated state law, though Jones claims Jackson is behind the ads.

  • On Tuesday, John King endorsed Rick Jackson.
  • Last year, King launched a brief campaign for the GOP Senate nomination.

The players

Rick Jackson

A candidate for the Republican nomination for Georgia governor.

Burt Jones

The current lieutenant governor of Georgia and a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor.

John King

The current Georgia insurance and fire commissioner, who is running for reelection and has endorsed Rick Jackson for governor.

Newt Gingrich

A former Georgia congressman who has endorsed Rick Jackson's campaign for governor.

Brian Kemp

The current governor of Georgia, who endorsed Derek Dooley in the GOP Senate primary last year.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm a lawman and soldier who took the Insurance Commissioner's job for one reason: To get things done. @RickJacksonGA as governor is our best shot at continuing to get things done, and for Georgia Republicans, he's our best shot at winning in November.”

— John King, Georgia Insurance Commissioner

What’s next

The Georgia Republican primary election is scheduled for May 24, 2026, and the general election will be held on November 5, 2026.

The takeaway

The endorsement of Rick Jackson by Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King underscores the divisive nature of the Republican primary race for governor, as Jackson and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones continue to engage in a bitter legal and political battle. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the future of the Georgia Republican Party.