Georgia Primaries: Trump-Backed Burt Jones And Healthcare Tycoon Rick Jackson Advance In Gov. Primaries

BreakingBusinessGeorgia Primaries: Trump-Backed Burt Jones And Healthcare Tycoon Rick Jackson Advance In Gov. PrimariesBySiladitya Ray,Forbes Staff. Siladitya Ray is a New Delhi-based Forbes news team reporter.Follow AuthorMay 19, 2026, 10:49pm EDTToplinePresident Donald Trump notched up another GOP primary endorsement win on Tuesday night, as his preferred candidate in the Georgia Gubernatorial race, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, advanced to the runoffs alongside healthcare tycoon Rick Jackson, while Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger—who clashed with Trump over his bid to overturn the 2020 election—failed to advance.Georgia gubernatorial candidate Burt Jones speaks during a primary election night watch party.Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reservedKey FactsThe race was called early by the Associated Press and with 71% of the votes counted, Jones was on top with 38.8% of the votes.Jackson, who is also advancing to the runoff, came second, having received nearly 33% of the votes.In a speech to his supporters, Jackson mocked the Lt. Gov., saying, “Burt was all talk and no results” and added, “he’s not going to win the runoff either.”Jackson described himself as an outsider and, despite not getting the endorsement, said he’ll be the president’s “favorite governor” and run the state “like Trump, but with a southern tongue.”Former Trump foe and Georgia secretary of state Brad Raffensperger was in a distant third place, notching up only 14.4% of the vote.This is a developing story.Got a tip? Share confidential information with Forbes.Editorial StandardsReprints & PermissionsLOADING VIDEO PLAYER...FORBES’ FEATURED Video