ATLANTA — Billionaire Republican health care executive Rick Jackson’s entry into the Georgia governor’s race this week could shake up a contest that has so far been dominated by three statewide GOP officeholders.
Jackson, 71, pitched himself as an outsider and loyalist to President Donald Trump who can challenge Attorney General Chris Carr, Lt. Gov Burt Jones and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger for Georgia’s top job.
“I don’t need this job for money or power. It’s not about me,” Jackson said in his introductory campaign video. “No more free rides for people who refuse to work. If you want to sit on your butt, binge watch Netflix and scarf down Cheetos, do it with your own money.”
Jackson, the founder of Jackson Healthcare, says he plans to spend tens of millions of dollars of his own money on his candidacy, ensuring he can make himself more of a household name before this May’s Republican primary.
His run for office could split the field and increase the likelihood of a runoff, which would be held in June if none of the candidates wins a majority in May.
If elected, Jackson said he would prioritize deportations, cutting taxes, and banning diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
The winner of the Republican field will advance to the November election. The Democratic contenders for governor include former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, the Rev. Olu Brown, former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, former state Sen. Jason Esteves, state Rep. Derrick Jackson, state Rep. Ruwa Romman, and former DeKalb County CEO Mike Thurmond.