Attorney General Chris Carr endorsed Rick Jackson on May 26 for the June 16 Republican runoff for governor. The fourth-place finisher called Jackson an outsider businessman of deep faith and integrity who will do what is right for Georgians. Jackson finished second in the May 19 primary behind Lt. Gov. Burt Jones.
Primary Results Force Runoff Between Jones and Jackson
Burt Jones led the May 19 Republican primary with roughly 38 percent of the vote and more than 210,000 ballots. Rick Jackson placed second with 33 to 34 percent and about 187,000 votes. Brad Raffensperger took third at 14.5 to 15 percent while Chris Carr finished fourth with 11.4 to 12 percent and roughly 63,000 votes. No candidate reached the 50 percent threshold required to win outright, so the top two advance to the June 16 runoff per state rules.
The four top-tier candidates shaped the primary field. Jones entered as the Trump-endorsed incumbent lieutenant governor. Jackson, a billionaire healthcare executive, self-funded heavily and campaigned on business experience plus income tax cuts. Raffensperger, the secretary of state, drew attention for his 2020 refusal to alter election results. Carr, the attorney general, emphasized affordability and public safety while raising about $5.3 million.
| Candidate | Vote Share | Approximate Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Burt Jones | 38% | 210,000+ |
| Rick Jackson | 33-34% | 187,000+ |
| Brad Raffensperger | 14.5-15% | Not specified |
| Chris Carr | 11.4-12% | 63,000+ |
Carr's Endorsement Hands Jackson Fresh Backing
Carr's statement highlighted Jackson's private-sector record and personal story, including his foster care background. The attorney general had raised more than $5 million during his own primary bid focused on public safety and costs. His support arrives as Jackson prepares for a head-to-head contest against the Trump-backed Jones.
Jackson's campaign already featured substantial self-funding that reached tens of millions. The healthcare executive positioned himself as an outsider promising tax relief. Carr's move adds an establishment voice to that message three weeks before ballots are cast again.
