Kemp Endorses Burt Jones in Georgia Runoff as Jackson Pours $100 Million Into Race
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jun 14
Kemp Endorses Burt Jones in Georgia Runoff as Jackson Pours $100 Million Into Race
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jun 14
Summary
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp backed Burt Jones in Tuesday’s Republican gubernatorial runoff, giving Jones a high-profile boost in one of the state’s costliest primaries.
Kemp called Jones a “strong, trusted ally” and said his record as state senator and lieutenant governor showed he could govern, while avoiding any mention of rival Rick Jackson.
Jackson has spent $100 million of his own money and gained in some polling, though recent surveys point in opposite directions — one showing Jackson up 12 points, another putting Jones ahead by about 10.
Jones led last month’s primary with 38% to Jackson’s 32%, and the runoff is now shaping up as a test of both Trump’s and Kemp’s influence in the battleground state.
Kemp also used the endorsement to target Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms, signaling Republicans are already pivoting toward the general election.