Georgia’s Republican races for Governor and U.S. Senate will continue with runoff elections on June 16 after all major candidates failed to cross the 50% point threshold during yesterday’s primary elections.
For Governor, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones (R-GA) took the lead with 38% of the vote. Billionaire outsider Rick Jackson fell behind with 33%, a stark contrast to his polling 15% lead at the beginning of the year.
All of the other candidates fell out of the race. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger took 15%, and Attorney General Chris Carr earned 12%.
Both Lt. Governor Jones and Jackson celebrated their victories on X, issuing statements of confidence and reassurance.
Lt. Gov. Jones stated that the voters have made their position clear on Jackson’s candidacy.
Tonight Georgia sent a clear message —Georgia isn’t for sale.
— Burt Jones (@burtjonesforga) May 20, 2026
Jackson reflected on his impact on the political establishment and resolved to finish the race strong.
Barely more than 100 days ago, we sent an earthquake through the political establishment when we entered the race.
I think it’s safe to say, we shook the career politicians and insiders to their core.
But the job is not done. We have four weeks to finish it. And the choice…
— Rick Jackson (@RickJacksonGA) May 20, 2026
For U.S. Senate, Representative Mike Collins (R-GA) maintained his lead with 41% of the vote. Political outsider Derek Dooley gained ground with 30%, and Representative Buddy Carter (R-GA) fell out of the race with 25%.
Rep. Collins issued a brief statement, thanking his supporters.
Thank you, Georgia. Love y'all.
28 more days of putting the hammer down! pic.twitter.com/vbYou9g7TX
— Mike Collins (@MikeCollinsGA) May 20, 2026
Dooley also thanked his supporters but resolved to work as hard as possible in the next four weeks.
THANK YOU! I’m honored by the support we’ve received tonight from hardworking Georgians across our state.
To everyone who put their trust in me, donated to the campaign, hosted an event, attended a campaign stop, or voted for me — thank you!
This campaign has been about… pic.twitter.com/TqoXA9UVWQ
— Derek Dooley (@DerekDooleyGA) May 20, 2026
Other Races
The Lt. Governor’s race was also highly competitive. Former State Senator John F. Kennedy maintained his lead with 27% of the vote, and State Senator Greg Dolezal (R-27) followed up with 23%.
Several notable candidates fell out of this race. State Senator Blake Tillery (R-19) came in third with 19%, and State Representative David Clark (R-98) followed up with 16%.
For Secretary of State, State Representative Tim Fleming (R-114) earned a strong lead with 39% of the vote. Former State Representative Vernon Jones gained ground with 27%.
Notable candidates Kelvin King and Gabriel Sterling fell out of the race, earning less than 20% of the vote each.
