Rick Jackson agreed to a town hall-style debate on October 7, 2026, hosted by Atlanta News First. The Republican nominee for Georgia governor faces Democratic challenger Keisha Lance Bottoms in the November 3 general election. Bottoms has called for three debates total.
Jackson Clinched GOP Nod After June Runoff
Jackson, the billionaire founder and CEO of Jackson Healthcare, secured the Republican nomination by winning the June 2026 primary runoff. He defeated Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, the three-time Trump-endorsed candidate, along with Attorney General Chris Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Those three had led early polling and fundraising in the crowded eight-candidate primary field.
Jackson self-funded more than $30 million in television advertising during the primary. His late entry in February 2026 allowed him to surge past the established officeholders. The victory positioned him as the Republican standard-bearer against Bottoms, the former Atlanta mayor.
Bottoms Demands Three Debates Before November
Bottoms challenged Jackson to a series of three debates ahead of the general election. Jackson's acceptance of the single Atlanta News First event falls short of that request. The October 7 town hall will give voters their first extended look at both candidates on the same stage.
Debates often highlight differences in policy and background. Jackson brings a business record from healthcare. Bottoms draws on her executive experience running Atlanta. The format could shape voter impressions in a state where Republicans have held the governorship since 2003.
