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Burt Jones Targets Rick Jackson With Anti-Contract Bill in Georgia GOP Race

In the Republican primary for Georgia governor, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones is leveraging his legislative position to gain an edge over healthcare tycoon Rick Jackson, who has spent more than $50 million to remain competitive.
President Donald Trump endorsed Jones last year, but Jackson has elbowed into contention through massive spending. Recently, Jones pushed legislation to disqualify Jackson's company from state contracts while calling Jackson "a fraud who got filthy rich off Georgia's taxpayers and seniors."
Pointing to $930 million in business that Jackson Healthcare has done with Georgia, including no-bid contracts during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jones accused the company of driving up state costs. Jackson denied corruption, stating he acted at Gov. Brian Kemp's request to prioritize state interests.
State Rep. Steven Sainz, a Jackson supporter, said "volatility" engulfed the Capitol this year. Attorney General Chris Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger are also competing in the May 19 primary alongside Jones and Jackson.
Tension between the candidates dates to 2023, when Jones launched a dispute over hospital licensing legislation. Conservative radio host Martha Zoller questioned whether these legislative attacks will ultimately sway Republican voters in the primary.

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