Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and political outsider Rick Jackson head into the May 19th Republican primary for governor tied, according to a new poll commissioned by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
The new poll shows Jackson with 27% of the vote and Lt. Gov. Jones with 25%. This essentially amounts to a draw, as the point difference falls within the survey’s margin of error.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger trailed with 14% support and Attorney General Chris Carr fell behind with 3% support. 30% of Republican voters remain undecided, which is a large enough group that makes the race a toss-up.
Jackson’s support primarily comes from wealthier and older voters, while Lt. Gov. Jones leads with younger voters.
Reactions
Lt. Gov. Jones celebrated this development with a new post on X, stating that he had the Jackson campaign right where he wanted them. He then called for voters to spare any support they could as the campaign enters its final stretch ahead of the primary.
My coach Mark Richt always said “Finish the Drill”
After over $100 MILLION in attacks, a new poll just dropped that we are in a DEAD HEAT after taking every hit they can throw.
We got them right where we want them in the 4th quarter and I need your help.
If you’ve got $5 or… pic.twitter.com/x8fUIBf80t
— Burt Jones (@burtjonesforga) April 30, 2026
A spokesperson for the Burt Jones campaign, Kayla Lott, weighed in on the new numbers. According to Lott, Georgians got a glimpse of candidate Jackson.
“The new car smell has officially worn off, and it stinks of a Never-Trumper losing steam when it matters the most,” Lott stated. “Fortunately, Georgians got a glimpse of the real Rick Jackson during Monday’s debate, being exposed for exactly what he is - a fraud who supports illegal immigration.”
In the latter part of her statement, Lott is referring to a moment from the debate in which Jones asked Jackson if he had any illegal immigrants working for him. Jackson answered, “I don’t know.”
“Do you have any illegals working for you right now?”
RICK JACKSON: “I don’t know.” pic.twitter.com/eM8gDxRZYH
— Burt Jones (@burtjonesforga) April 28, 2026
Why didn't Jackson just assert that he didn't have illegal aliens working for him? With illegal immigration being at the forefront in Republican politics, Jackson's "Oops" moment could prove to be problematic for him.
