Rick Jackson vows to win Georgia governor runoff against Burt Jones

ATLANTA, Ga. (WTOC) - This primary cycle has been one of the most expensive in Georgia history, with a reported total of over $100 million being spend on the Republican side in the governor’s race alone.

WTOC is in Atlanta Tuesday to cover the Rick Jackson campaign.

Jackson and supporters will be watching in the results of the election Tuesday night at the Omni Hotel in Atlanta, and if the latest polls pan out, he and Burt Jones will be headed for a runoff.

Jackson kicked his campaign off in February, positioning himself as a political outsider, looking to bring his business experience to the Governor’s mansion.

He’s been in a bitter battle with current Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones.

SEE: Lt. Gov. Burt Jones watches primary results in hometown

Jackson has accused Jones of abusing his current position for financial gain, and in response, Jones has accused Jackson of profiting from fraud.

Jackson has also sued Jones for defamation.

Jackson, a billionaire, has spent over $80 million of his own money on his campaign.

One thing he doesn’t have: the highest endorsement in the Republican Party. Though Jackson has said he would be President Trump’s favorite governor if elected, Trump gave his endorsement to Burt Jones.

Republican candidate tells supporters he’s ready for June 16 election after primary results

Rick Jackson said he will be the next governor of Georgia despite the Republican primary heading to a runoff.

Jackson addressed supporters at his watch party shortly before 9 p.m. after the race was called for a runoff. He said the results were not unexpected and that he had been preparing for a runoff for weeks.

He thanked supporters and repeated campaign promises with the next election only a month away.

“To everyone that voted for another candidate tonight, I’m asking for your vote on June 16th. If you believe property taxes are out of control, I’m asking for your vote on June 16th. If you believe that we should cut the income tax, clean up government, ban the religion of woke ideology, back the police, and put hardworking Georgians first, I’m asking for your vote on June 16th,” Jackson said.

The Georgia Democrats responded to the runoff news, saying in part, “No matter who emerges from this runoff, Georgians won’t be able to unhear just how corrupt, extreme, and out-of-touch those two sorry options are. Bring it on.”

Either Jackson or Jones will face the Democratic nominee, Keisha Lance Bottoms, in November.