Trump-backed Burt Jones and Rick Jackson head to Georgia governor runoff
Georgia GOP gubernatorial hopefuls Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and businessman Rick Jackson are advancing to a runoff election.Already the most expensive primary in Georgia history, Jones and Jackson will face off again in a June 16 runoff after neither candidate secured the majority needed to win outright on Tuesday. The Associated Press called the race at 8:38 p.m. With 33% of ballots counted, Jones received 36.8% of the vote, while Jackson earned 34.7%.
TL;DR
- The GOP primary for Georgia governor is the most expensive in the state's history, with over $100 million spent.
- Businessman Rick Jackson and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones are headed to a runoff election.
- Jackson, a healthcare executive, has spent significantly more than his opponents and claims to be an outsider.
- Jones, with Trump's endorsement, argues he is a proven statewide executive.
- Jones pushed legislation that could disqualify Jackson's healthcare company from taxpayer contracts.
- House Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones endorsed Jackson, citing concerns about Burt Jones's self-interest.
- Jackson has faced controversy over allegations of employing illegal immigrants.
- The runoff will test whether Trump's endorsement or Jackson's financial resources will lead to victory.