Trump Endorses Rick Jackson for Georgia Governor as GOP Seeks Unity

After facing a loss in the Republican primary for Georgia governor, President Donald Trump has shifted his endorsement to Rick Jackson. Trump is calling for GOP unity behind Jackson in a high-stakes gubernatorial race.

Trump initially backed Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. Jones lost to Jackson in a primary upset, which was a significant setback for Trump. Following Jones’ defeat, Trump praised Jackson’s campaign efforts and acknowledged Jones as a strong candidate with a bright future.

In a Truth Social post, Trump described Jackson as a “very successful Businessman and Entrepreneur” and urged Republicans to support him in the upcoming November election. This endorsement highlights Trump’s strategic move to rally Republicans in Georgia, which is expected to be a key battleground in the 2026 midterms. Jackson will compete against Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms for the governor role, succeeding Republican Brian Kemp.

Rick Jackson expressed gratitude for Trump’s endorsement in a social media post. He outlined plans to bring business solutions to Georgia, aiming to lower taxes, improve education, enhance safety, and make Georgia more affordable.

Robert Y. Shapiro, a Columbia University professor, commented, “Trump wants to back Republicans against Democrats to prove party loyalty and support winners, especially in battleground states.”

Polling Insights

Recent polls show a tightly contested race in Georgia. An AARP survey discovered Bottoms slightly ahead with 48% compared to Jackson’s 46%. This is a statistical tie due to the survey’s margin of error. Among voters 50 and older, Jackson leads 55% to 42%.

The survey indicated Bottoms with a positive net favorability, while Jackson had a -3% net favorability. The poll surveyed 1,060 statewide voters between July 13 and July 16, with a margin of error of 3%.

A Wick Research poll shows Jackson leading narrowly, with 43.2% support against Bottoms’ 42.7%, and 14.1% undecided. This poll, held from June 27 to June 30, included 1,175 likely voters and had a margin of error of 2.9%.

A Fox News poll from last month showed Bottoms ahead with 52% compared to Jackson’s 47%. This poll included 1,002 registered Georgia voters from June 23 to June 27, with a 3% margin of error.

The Cook Political Report lists the race as a toss-up. Trump previously won Georgia in the 2024 presidential election with 50.7% against Kamala Harris’s 48.5%.

Trump’s Endorsement Influence

Trump’s endorsement of Jones and Jackson follows successful backing in Arizona. Trump-supported candidates Andy Biggs and Jay Feely won nominations for governor and Congress, bolstering Trump’s influence in GOP primaries.

This recent endorsement reveals Trump’s intent to unite Republicans post-primary while maintaining sway in battleground states. The impact of Trump’s support in general elections, shaped by swing and independent voters, will be crucial.

Trump has achieved Senate endorsement successes in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Georgia. However, his Iowa gubernatorial primary endorsee Randy Feenstra faced a loss to Zach Lahn.