Rick Jackson pitches outsider bid for Georgia governor, highlighting foster care advocacy, tax cuts and rural jobs

*Editor’s note: WTOC’s full interview with Rick Jackson can be viewed above.

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Rick Jackson, a Georgia businessman and first-time candidate, says he is running for governor to represent “forgotten” Georgians, starting with foster children, while pitching a business-minded approach to taxes, job creation and government efficiency.

In an interview with WTOC, Jackson described himself as an outsider “like Trump,” saying he wants to “run the state like a business” and focus on measurable outcomes.

‘They didn’t have a lobbyist’: Foster care as his starting point

Jackson said his political motivation grew out of years of advocacy for foster children and a moment at the state Capitol when, he said, a state chairman told him he had served 17 years without hearing the words “foster care.”

Jackson, who said he was a foster child himself, argued that foster children and other vulnerable groups lack the money and influence needed to get attention from state leadership.

“I want to fight for… those people that don’t have a voice,” Jackson said.

Criticism of political insiders

Asked what he believes has gone wrong inside Georgia Republican politics, Jackson said voters are tired of politicians who “make statements but don’t make a difference.” He also argued that access at the Capitol can depend on money.

Jackson leveled repeated accusations at Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, his primary rival, accusing him of self-interest and corruption. Jones has denied wrongdoing.

Jobs, rural investment and ‘modernizing technology’

Jackson said he would build on Gov. Brian Kemp’s economic approach, praising the governor’s record and saying he would aim to “extend his legacy.”

He said his priorities would include:

• Reviewing state operations for efficiency, saying he likes the concept of “looking at every part of government” to ensure programs meet objectives.
• Modernizing technology in state government to improve efficiency and services.
• Targeted rural job growth, including recruiting manufacturing and “high-tech” work to rural areas with broadband or fiber.

Jackson cited what he described as Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s practice of calling business leaders daily to recruit companies and said he would do something similar in Georgia.

He also pointed to agricultural supply-chain concerns and said he supports developing more in-state processing capacity, including facilities for produce and the cattle industry, to increase farmer earnings and create jobs.

Foreign investment and incentives

On investment from non-Georgia and international companies, Jackson said Georgia should support in-state companies first while recruiting new employers with a return-on-investment (ROI) mindset.

He said he would avoid incentives that “don’t make sense,” emphasizing ROI and job creation.

Asked about the state’s relationship with Hyundai, which has invested heavily in Georgia and received major tax breaks, Jackson praised Kemp’s outreach and said he would travel abroad to recruit additional industry, including a proposed early trip to Israel to pursue high-tech business.

Campaign dispute with Burt Jones and lawsuit

Jackson forcefully rejected a recent Jones campaign ad that claimed Jackson profited by recruiting for Planned Parenthood, calling it “a complete… lie.” Jackson said he has not made money from Planned Parenthood and described himself as supportive of pro-life causes.

Jackson said he filed a defamation lawsuit against Jones, citing allegations he said were false and harmful. He referenced a temporary restraining order and said he expected further court proceedings.

Jones’ campaign has defended its messaging.

Data centers: ‘Pro data center,’ no tax breaks

On data centers, Jackson said decisions should be made locally but argued communities could see significant benefits.

He said a data center could potentially reduce local property taxes and electricity costs, and he called himself “very pro data center.” Jackson said he does not believe data centers need tax credits, arguing they prioritize reliable power and quick build capacity.

Jackson also said Georgia should “lean in” to artificial intelligence and teach it in schools, adding that AI could help streamline government operations.

Cutting income taxes and addressing property tax increases

Jackson backed a major income tax cut, saying he would pursue a 50% reduction during his first term. He argued the state could accomplish that by reducing overhead and growing revenue through economic development.

He also said he was alarmed by rising property taxes and called for freezing and reducing property taxes, citing widows who told him they feared being priced out of their homes. Asked about the statewide homestead exemption, Jackson said it could be part of the solution but emphasized balancing tax relief with counties’ needs to fund services.

The closing message

Asked what he most wanted Georgia voters to know, Jackson said: “It’s not about me… I care about people.”

Democratic Party of Georgia responds

While in Savannah, Jackson said he will be holding a campaign event at a local restaurant and taking a tour of the ports.

Jake Strickland, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Georgia says Jackson’s agenda is “cost-raising and job-killing.”

“Rick Jackson strongly supports the same harmful policies – including the Trump tariffs – that have driven up costs on businesses and threatened hundreds of jobs at the Port. With Savannah on the frontlines of Trump’s tariff trade war, Jackson’s cost-raising and job-killing agenda would only make things worse for Georgia families," Strickland said.