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ATLANTA (AP) — In a surprising twist to Georgia’s gubernatorial race, health care entrepreneur Rick Jackson has declared his candidacy for the Republican nomination, adding a new dimension to a contest that had appeared settled for some time.
At 71, Jackson is aiming to replace current Republican Governor Brian Kemp, who is unable to seek re-election due to term limits. He joins a competitive race that includes Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who has already secured an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, along with Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Attorney General Chris Carr.
Jackson criticized his opponents, labeling them as “career politicians” who, he claims, prioritize personal gain over public service. He positioned himself as a “real-life conservative” ready to tackle significant challenges and deliver substantial results for Georgia.
In a bold move, Jackson has committed to investing $50 million of his own fortune into his campaign. His announcement follows the activities of a mysterious group named “Georgians for Integrity,” which has spent over $13 million since November on various media platforms to discredit Jones, widely seen as the GOP front-runner. The ads accuse Jones of exploiting his position for personal profit, although they have been labeled as misleading by some. Jones himself has dismissed these allegations as “fabricated trash.”
Despite the timing, Jackson’s campaign spokesperson, Lance Trover, firmly denied any involvement in financing the attack ads against Jones.
A four-candidate Republican field could make a June 16 runoff more likely if no one wins a majority in the May 19 primary. On the Democratic ballot, seven candidates are seeking the governor’s nomination in May, hoping to wrest control of the governor’s office back from the GOP after 24 years.
Jackson is touting a sharply conservative message and rags-to-riches background, including a launch video that profiles his rise from foster care to owning Jackson Healthcare, one of the largest health care staffing firms nationwide. He pledged support for “criminal deportations” and promised to purge schools of “woke ideology,” while banning diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
“And if we can’t cut the state income tax in half and freeze property taxes, I won’t run again,” Jackson pledged in the video, stepping straight into two key tax debates currently ongoing at the Georgia Capitol.
Like Jones and Raffensperger, Jackson brings personal wealth to the race. Health care providers nationwide hire Jackson Healthcare to provide them with doctors, nurses and other medical professionals that Jackson employs. The company also helps health care providers find permanent employees and consulting with them on staffing. In 2021, Jackson also bought US Antibiotics, a Bristol, Tennessee, company that says it’s the only American manufacturer of two top antibiotics. Privately owned, Jackson Healthcare reports more than $3 billion in yearly revenue.
Jackson said he would spend an initial $40 million on advertising and on Tuesday launched an ad that represents Raffensperger as Judas for betraying Trump and defying his efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 election.
Jackson said he’s a billionaire and bragged about making a $1 million donation to Trump, saying “Trump’s success inspired me to do this for Georgia.” But he’s been a big donor in Georgia Republican circles for more than a decade. Among the past beneficiaries of his donations are Carr, Raffensperger and former Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, who’s now running for governor as a Democrat after Duncan fell out with Trump over the 2020 election.
As one example of his influence, Kemp touted Jackson Healthcare’s involvement in providing doctors and nurses to Georgia’s hospitals during the pandemic. Jackson also takes credit for a law that provides free college tuition, room and board for students who were in foster care or placed for adoption by Georgia’s child welfare agency.
Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich backed Jackson, writing online Tuesday that “He will be a great governor of Georgia and brings compassion and business experience to the race.”
Jackson has given money to some people who have opposed Trump, including former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush in 2015. Jones spokesperson Kayla Lott was dismissive of the idea that Jackson could threaten Jones’ support, saying: “The never-Trump lane just got way more expensive and way more crowded.”
Carr’s campaign said their argument that he’s best positioned to win the general election hasn’t changed.
“Chris is who he has always been: a proven conservative leader with a record of results and the credibility to unite voters across Georgia,” spokesperson Julia Mazzone said in a statement.
Raffensperger’s campaign declined to comment on Jackson’s entry. Jones’ campaign didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment.