Jackson wins GOP governor nomination, Collins takes Senate runoff in Georgia

ATLANTA, Ga. (WTOC) - Tuesday’s runoff elections locked in the names Georgia voters will see again in November and set the tone for what’s next in a high-stakes midterm year.

Billionaire businessman Rick Jackson won the Republican nomination for Georgia governor, defeating the Trump and Kemp endorsed Burt Jones by over 5% of the vote. Jackson campaigned as an outsider not funded by lobbyists ready to break the system.

“I am ready. Georgia is ready. Let’s go win big for Georgia,” Jackson said.

Jackson said he’s ready to face his new opponent.

“In November the choice could not be more clearer. Do we continue moving Georgia forward or do we go backwards to Keisha Lance Bottoms records of excuses and failed leadership?” Jackson said.

Mike Collins also came out big over Derek Dooley for the Republican Senate primary runoff race, winning over 55% of the vote. The Trump-endorsed candidate says he’s ready to run for the values of the people of Georgia, something that he says his opponent doesn’t stand for.

“It stands in star contrast to what Jon Ossoff has done in Washington and what he’ll do if he’s given another six years,” Collins said.

Trump also took to Truth Social to congratulate Collins on his victory while also taking jabs at Senator Jon Ossoff.

In the wake of the latest Republican runoff outcomes, state Democratic Party Chair Charlie Bailey weighed in on the Senate race. He says Republicans will come after Ossoff intensely, but Democrats are ready.

“Because of the work that he has done in Georgia and the trust he has with the people of Georgia, we do what we are supposed to do and keep building the biggest invest coordinating campaign that we’ve ever built and we will reelect Jon Ossoff,” Bailey said.