Endorsement looms over Georgia GOP governor runoff

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) -Georgia voters return to the polls Tuesday to decide several key runoff races, including the Republican nomination for governor.

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and health care CEO Rick Jackson are facing off in a tight runoff that will determine who advances to the November general election.

The final day of campaigning is also being shaped by a late endorsement from Gov. Brian Kemp, who backed Jones and said he is supporting someone he has worked with for the past eight years. Jones has also been endorsed by President Donald Trump.

“This is exactly what’s going to put us over the top,” Jones said.

Jones praised Kemp’s leadership while campaigning ahead of Election Day.

“Learned a lot of good lessons from Governor Kemp. One good lesson is that he keeps a calm and steady hand on the toughest of situations,” Jones said.

Jackson made his final pitch to voters in Savannah Monday night at Sheltair Aviation. He said he respects Kemp’s record and wants to build on it, even as the governor endorses Jones.

“We’re going to win tomorrow, OK,” Jackson said.

Jackson also pointed to endorsements on his side, including support from U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.

“Ted Cruz is a real pro and for him to endorse me is quite an honor,” Jackson said.

While Donald Trump Jr. did not endorse a candidate in the race, he posted praise for Jackson’s business record and character, calling him a good man and saying no matter who wins, it is a victory for MAGA.

“I really appreciate that, him talking about my character and being a good person, so I really appreciate that,” Jackson said.

Whoever wins Tuesday’s Republican runoff will face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in November.