Rick Jackson, a healthcare executive and self-made billionaire, will square off against Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in a June 16 Republican primary runoff after no candidate cleared 50% in Tuesday's crowded field. With 45% of votes counted, Jones led at 37.9% while Jackson sat at 34.1%.
The matchup sets up a stark contrast between Trump-endorsed establishment and the wealthy outsider banking on his own appeal. Jackson, who entered the race in February, has injected $80 million of personal wealth into television ads, saturating Georgia airwaves so heavily that other Republican candidates across the state complained they couldn't break through the noise.
Jackson's advertising strategy directly mimics Trump's brand. His spots paint him as a straight-talking, self-made businessman untethered to political favors. "Like President Trump, I don't owe anybody anything, and like you, I'm sick of career politicians," one ad declares. Another labels him the "Trump-supporting self-made outsider" who "tells it like it is." Jackson even went so far as to air spots in Washington, D.C. and West Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence sits.
Trump shut down any speculation that Jackson's flattery campaign might sway him. During a recent tele-rally, the former president doubled down on his backing for Jones. "There's a lot of confusion. Everyone's saying I endorsed them. I didn't. I endorsed a man named Burt Jones, your lieutenant governor," Trump said. "Vote for Burt Jones. He's just an incredible guy who has my complete and total endorsement in the race."
Jones jumped at that early endorsement, featuring it prominently in his own ads since Trump backed his campaign weeks after launch. But Jackson's financial firepower has forced a runoff despite Trump's support.
The 2020 election continues to dominate the race. Jones signed onto an alternate slate of presidential electors who cast votes for Trump at Georgia's state Capitol even after officials certified Joe Biden's victory in the state. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, also in the primary, rejected Trump's infamous request to "find" additional votes in Georgia following that election. Attorney General Chris Carr faced Trump's fury for repeatedly stating there was no widespread voter fraud in the state. Those positions likely cost both men traction with Trump's base.
The runoff winner will face the Democratic primary victor in November's general election.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "Jackson proved that a massive war chest can force the Trump-backed candidate into a runoff, but Trump's public loyalty to Jones will carry considerable weight when Republicans return to vote in June."
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