Rick Jackson wins Republican runoff for governor's race
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Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson speaks at his election night watch party on May 19 in Atlanta. He will face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in the Nov. 3 general election. Photo: Courtesy of Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images
Billionaire health care executive Rick Jackson, who entered the governor's race late and pledged loyalty to President Trump, won Tuesday's Republican primary runoff election.
Why it matters: Jackson, who failed to secure Trump's support over rival Burt Jones, will face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in the Nov. 3 general election.
The latest: Jackson won the race with 52.7% of the vote, compared to Jones' 47.2%, according to unofficial results from the Georgia Secretary of State's Office.
- Jones got an early endorsement from Trump and over the weekend received a last-minute approval from Gov. Brian Kemp.
By the numbers: A little more than 488,000 people cast ballots in the runoff, according to the election hub.
- Unlike the May 19 primary, more Republican voters showed up to the polls to vote in the runoff than Democrats, according to the state election hub.
What they're saying: Jackson said on X that his campaign has grown "because it is built by hardworking Georgians who love this state, believe in its promise, and are ready to fight for its future."
- He also said Bottoms "wants to take the Atlanta City Hall agenda statewide."
- "We will continue the foundation laid by Georgia's Republican governors," he said. "She will make excuses. We will deliver results."
Zoom in: Jones, who conceded the race, said "the sun will come up tomorrow...there is life after politics," according to the AJC's Patricia Murphy.
The other side: Bottoms said in a statement that Jackson is "focused on enriching himself as Georgians are losing their health care coverage and are forced to pay soaring costs."
Catch up quick: The Republican primary election for governor started as a three-way race among Jones, Attorney General Chris Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.
- Jackson, who spent more than $100 million of his own money on his campaign, shook up the Republican field when he announced his candidacy in early February.
- Roughly two months before, he sent a $1 million donation to the pro-Trump MAGA Inc. super PAC with the hopes of catching Trump's eye, Axios' Alex Isenstadt reports.
Down-ballot races
Lieutenant governor: Republican Greg Dolezal won the primary against fellow challenger John F. Kennedy. He will take on Josh McLaurin, who won the Democratic runoff against challenger Nabilah Parkes.
Secretary of state: State Rep. Tim Fleming (R-Covington) won the Republican nomination, defeating former DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones.
- Fleming faces Democrat Penny Brown Reynolds, who won her runoff against Fulton County Commissioner Dana Barrett.
Insurance commissioner: Former Atlanta City Council member Keisha Sean Waites won the Democratic primary runoff against DeAndre Mathis. She faces incumbent Republican John King in November.
Labor commissioner: Democrat Nikki Porcher defeated Michelle Michi Sanchez. She will challenge incumbent Republican Bárbara Rivera Holmes in November.
State school superintendent: Incumbent Republican Richard Woods fought off a primary challenge from Fred "Bubba" Longgrear. Woods and Democrat Lydia Powell will be on the general election ballot.
Public Service Commission District 5: Josh Tolbert won the Republican runoff against Bobby Mehan. He goes toe-to-toe with Democrat Shelia Edwards in November.
The fine print: The contentious race on the Democratic side to become Fulton County's next chair appears to have ended with incumbent Robb Pitts losing the runoff to former commissioner Mo Ivory.
- As of late Tuesday, Ivory was leading the race with 65.3% of the vote, with Pitts receiving 34.7%. Votes were still being counted.
- Ivory will face Republican Eric J. Tatum in November.
What we're watching: If Trump will eventually turn his attention to the governor's race and endorse Jackson.