Georgia Republican voters chose businessman Rick Jackson over Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones in a gubernatorial primary runoff on June 16, 2026, dealing a setback to former President Donald Trump, who had endorsed Jones.
Jackson, who had positioned himself as an economic pragmatist with private-sector credentials, outperformed polling that had suggested a closer finish. Jones had emphasized his alignment with Trump throughout the campaign.
Trump’s endorsement record in Republican primaries has been mixed in the 2026 cycle, with some backed candidates succeeding and others falling short. The Georgia result added to the list of races where the endorsement did not prove decisive.
Jackson will face the Democratic nominee in November’s general election in a state that has become increasingly competitive in statewide contests. Both parties indicated they would invest heavily in Georgia given its Electoral College and Senate significance.
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Sources:
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-primary-elections/georgia-governor-runoff-results