Burt Jones Files $100M Suit Against Rick Jackson

Jones Petroleum Co. filed a $100 million libel lawsuit against Rick Jackson and his campaign in Fulton County Superior Court this week. The action targets ads and website content that the company says falsely link it to racketeering, illegal gambling and bribery. The filing lands five days before the June 16 Republican runoff for governor, where Jones holds a narrow edge after taking 38 percent in the May 19 primary to Jackson's 34 percent.

Details of the Defamation Claims

The complaint accuses Jackson's materials of depicting Jones Petroleum as profiting from a criminal enterprise and operating illegal casinos under names such as Lucky Stop Casino alongside the company logo. It further alleges claims that the business benefited from corruption and bribery. Jones Petroleum employs 2,500 people and warns that the statements threaten ongoing operations and potential franchise agreements.

The suit demands at least $100 million in damages, removal of the material, a retraction and a jury trial. Company general counsel stated that a retraction request preceded the refiling after earlier service issues. The case was first lodged in March and updated this week.

Mutual Legal Actions Between the Rivals

Jackson's attorneys labeled the new complaint clickbait and called it baseless and retaliatory. They pointed to prior suits Jackson filed against Jones over campaign finance practices involving a leadership committee and over statements on Planned Parenthood and transgender issues.

Jones Petroleum's action adds to the exchange of litigation that has marked the contest. Both sides have signaled they will continue the legal fight regardless of the primary outcome. The company maintains the ads caused concrete harm that a verdict can address.

Full Field in the Governor Race

The runoff pits Jones, the Trump-endorsed lieutenant governor, against self-funded healthcare executive Jackson. Two other serious contenders remain in the broader Republican field. Chris Carr, the attorney general, leads external fundraising at roughly $4.9 million. Brad Raffensperger, the secretary of state, has reported $864,000 raised plus about $5 million in self-funding.

Governor Brian Kemp is term-limited and cannot run again. The four candidates above represent the top tier by polling and fundraising measures heading into the final week.

Next Steps Before the Runoff

Voters decide the nominee on June 16. A runoff was required because no candidate reached 50 percent in the initial primary. Jones' legal team said it will pursue the defamation case to a jury even if the election concludes first.

Jackson's campaign has not indicated any plans to pull the disputed ads. The Fulton County case now moves through standard civil procedures while the candidates continue to court voters statewide.