Jackson Leads Jones 28%-25% in Final GOP Primary Polls

Rick Jackson holds a slim 28% to 25% lead over Burt Jones in the latest polls for Georgia's Republican gubernatorial primary, set for May 19 with early voting already underway since April 27. The healthcare executive's self-funded millions give him an edge in the crowded field of eight candidates, while Jones clings to a Trump endorsement. Undecided voters, still at double digits, decide the winner in this tight race to replace term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp.

Jackson's Money Fuels Frontrunner Status

Rick Jackson, a healthcare executive, tops early May polling averages at 28%. He has poured millions of his own cash into the race, outspending rivals and blanketing airwaves with ads on taxes and affordability. Those polls from Quantus Insights, Cygnal, and Remington show his lead built on self-funding that lets him define the narrative early.

Jackson pitches deep tax cuts to voters. In a May 6 pitch covered by WTOC, he called for slashing income taxes to boost take-home pay amid rising costs. His approach contrasts with others, positioning him as the business-friendly choice in a field where voters prioritize pocketbook issues.

Jones Banks on Trump Loyalty

Burt Jones trails at 25%, buoyed by former President Trump's endorsement. As lieutenant governor, Jones attacks Jackson as an outsider and promises to fight Atlanta's crime wave with tougher public safety laws. His campaign raised big from Trump allies, matching Jackson's ad buy in key media markets.

The Georgia Recorder detailed how Jones's Trump backing mobilizes the base, but attack ads from Jackson's camp label him ineffective on border security. Jones counters in debates, vowing to expand law enforcement funding if elected.

Crowded Field Splits Anti-Frustrunner Vote

Six other candidates split the rest, hurting establishment picks. Here's the full slate per Ballotpedia and Georgia GOP filings:

Brad Raffensperger sits third at 14%, hurt by 2020 election baggage despite solid election management. Chris Carr lags at 7%, his AG record failing to excite. Longshots like Ken Yasger push veteran-focused tax relief, as noted in the WTOC report, but poll under 5%.

Debates Sharpen Tax and Safety Divides

The late April Atlanta Press Club debate drew all major candidates and zeroed in on flashpoints. Frontrunners traded barbs over ad spending, with Jackson defending his cash infusion and Jones decrying 'carpetbaggers.' Taxes dominated: Jackson wants income tax elimination, Jones favors property tax caps, Raffensperger pushes sales tax tweaks.

Affordability and public safety followed close. Candidates blamed each other for Atlanta crime spikes and housing costs, citing state data on homicides up 20% since 2020. The WABE recap highlighted how attack ads, fueled by super PACs, erode trust in the pack.

Georgia's open primary system amplifies the chaos. No runoff unless a candidate hits 50%, so Jackson's 3-point edge leaves room for surges. Early voting turnout, tracked by the Secretary of State, runs higher than 2022, signaling engaged Republicans.

Trump's nod gives Jones base fire, but Jackson's wallet buys broader reach in suburbs. Raffensperger peels election-skeptic votes, potentially siphoning from Jones. The field fractures enough that 30% decides it.

Voters hit polls May 19. Runoff looms June 16 if no majority. The winner faces Democrats in November for Kemp's seat.