The Burt Jones for Georgia campaign has responded to a recent attack ad launched by the Rick Jackson campaign that claims that Lt. Governor Burt Jones (R-GA) released thousands of illegal immigrant criminals without bail.
The ad claims, “Instead of deporting illegals, he released them.”
Did you know Burt Jones voted to let criminal illegals out of jail early and free?
Well now you do.
Vote for @RickJacksonGA! pic.twitter.com/d8xMMii4zl
— Team Jackson (@TeamJacksonHQ) May 1, 2026
This ad is the most recent attempt by the Jackson campaign to frame Lt. Gov. Jones as a ‘corrupt career politician.’ Earlier claims revolved around the Lt. Governor’s involvement with the gambling and vape industries, so this represents quite a pivot in focus.
Strangely enough, the ad features no visible citations, leaving the claims’ validity open to question.
The Jones Campaign Responds
The Jones campaign fired back, stating that the claims are ‘demonstrably false’ and ‘defamatory.’ The campaign spokesperson, Kayla Lott, issued a statement, rebuking the claims and harshly criticizing the Jackson campaign.
According to Lott, the outsider candidate is desperate and searching for easy ways to save his campaign from impending failure.
“Rick Jackson has spent tens of millions of dollars — much of it from Georgia taxpayers through his no-bid state contracts — trying to destroy Trump-endorsed Burt Jones with lies," Lott stated.
She continued, "This ad has no citations, no sources, and no basis in fact — because there aren't any. This is the act of a desperate candidate who is sinking in the polls and will say anything to save his failing campaign. We are demanding it be pulled immediately and will pursue every legal option available to hold Rick Jackson accountable.”
Jones’s legislative record actually holds up to scrutiny on this matter.
- In 2020, SB 402: The legislature passed legislation eliminating the use of signature bonds for most felony charges — strengthening bail requirements.
- In 2024, SB 63: Jones prioritized and passed legislation expanding cash bail requirements — doing the opposite of what the ad claims.
The two frontrunners enter the final stretch of the Governor’s primary essentially tied, according to a recent poll. The race is likely headed to a runoff, but the winner will be determined in the next few weeks.
