Burt Jones, Georgia's lieutenant governor, and healthcare billionaire Rick Jackson are set for a runoff in the Republican primary for governor after the May 19 election failed to produce a majority winner [1, 2, 3]. Jones led with 38.8% of the vote, while Jackson secured nearly 33%, according to results with 71% of precincts counted [2]. The runoff is scheduled for June 16, 2026 [1, 3].
Jones, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, thanked Trump for his support after the primary results were announced [1]. Jackson launched his campaign in February 2026 and has spent over $80 million of his own money on the race [3]. He positions himself as an outsider, saying he will run Georgia "like Trump, but with a southern tongue," and claiming he will be "the president’s favorite governor" despite lacking Trump's endorsement [2, 3]. Jackson also criticized Jones as "all talk and no results," predicting Jones would not win the runoff [2].
Brad Raffensperger, Georgia's secretary of state, finished third with 14.4% and did not advance [2, 3]. The winner of the Republican runoff will seek to replace outgoing Governor Brian Kemp, who is term-limited [1, 3].
On the Democratic side, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms won her primary nomination with 57.8% of the vote [1, 2]. She said, "Georgians sent a clear message that they want a fighter and someone who will stand up to Donald Trump and all the chaos that’s raising costs, that’s hurt our economy, that threatens the rights that generations before us fought for." [2]
The June 16 runoff between Jones and Jackson will determine the Republican nominee for Georgia’s November gubernatorial election [1, 3].
