Georgia Gubernatorial Candidates Embroiled in Scandals Ahead of Primaries

Spending records and campaign finance lawsuits shake up the race for Georgia governor.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:52am

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A dynamic, abstract painting of a state capitol building in overlapping geometric shapes and vibrant colors, conveying the turbulent and high-stakes nature of the Georgia gubernatorial race.The high-stakes Georgia gubernatorial race is shaping up to be one of the most expensive and contentious in the country, with candidates' spending and campaign finance tactics under intense scrutiny.Atlanta Today

The Georgia gubernatorial primary race is heating up, with Republican candidates Rick Jackson and Burt Jones engaged in a heated battle over campaign finance and spending. Jackson, a healthcare executive, has spent a record $47 million on ads, making him one of the top ad spenders in the country this election cycle. Meanwhile, Jones is facing a lawsuit from Jackson's campaign alleging that his leadership committee allows him to raise unlimited contributions, giving him an unfair advantage. The race has also seen scrutiny over Jackson's healthcare companies receiving government contracts worth nearly $1 billion since 2020.

Why it matters

The Georgia gubernatorial race is a key battleground ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, with the winner likely to have a significant impact on the political landscape in the state. The scandals and spending records in this race highlight the growing influence of money in politics and the potential for conflicts of interest when candidates have extensive business dealings with the government.

The details

Rick Jackson, a healthcare executive, has spent a record $47 million on ads in the Georgia gubernatorial primary, making him one of the top ad spenders in the country this election cycle. Meanwhile, his Republican opponent, Burt Jones, is facing a lawsuit from Jackson's campaign alleging that his leadership committee allows him to raise unlimited contributions, giving him an unfair advantage. The race has also seen scrutiny over Jackson's healthcare companies receiving government contracts worth nearly $1 billion since 2020, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.

  • The Georgia primary election is scheduled for May 19, 2026.
  • The lawsuit against Burt Jones was filed earlier this year.

The players

Rick Jackson

A healthcare executive who is one of the top ad spenders in the country this election cycle, having spent $47 million on his campaign.

Burt Jones

The current lieutenant governor of Georgia and a Republican candidate for governor, who is facing a lawsuit from Jackson's campaign over his use of a leadership committee to raise unlimited contributions.

Keisha Lance Bottoms

The former mayor of Atlanta and a Democratic candidate for governor, who is leading the polls among seven potential candidates.

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What they’re saying

“My campaign doesn't need money from donors or special interests — I don't owe anybody anything. Period. Every decision I make will be based on if it's good for regular Georgians, not some donor base.”

— Rick Jackson

What’s next

The Georgia primary election is scheduled for May 19, 2026, where voters will choose the Democratic and Republican candidates for governor.

The takeaway

The scandals and spending records in the Georgia gubernatorial race highlight the growing influence of money in politics and the potential for conflicts of interest when candidates have extensive business dealings with the government. Voters will have to weigh these issues carefully when choosing the next governor of Georgia.