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Self-funded Jackson beats Trump-backed Jones; Collins wins Senate

6/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rick Jackson’s $107 million self-financed campaign defeated the Trump-endorsed lieutenant governor in Georgia’s runoff.
Republican voters in Georgia chose Rick Jackson for governor and Rep. Mike Collins for Senate on June 16.
Gov. Brian Kemp and U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Burt Jones while Trump also backed Rep. Mike Collins for Senate.

History

Historical Context

In 2010, Republican Nathan Deal captured the Georgia governorship after winning a bruising primary runoff against Karen Handel by just 2,519 votes, a race heavily shaped by endorsements from former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and other national figures. That narrow, endorsement-driven victory marked the start of a trend where wealthy candidates and presidential backing increasingly tip Georgia GOP contests, a dynamic echoed in later primaries.

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Story summary

Rick Jackson’s $107 million self-financed campaign defeated the Trump-endorsed lieutenant governor in Georgia’s runoff.
Republican voters in Georgia chose Rick Jackson for governor and Rep. Mike Collins for Senate on June 16.
Gov. Brian Kemp and U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Burt Jones while Trump also backed Rep. Mike Collins for Senate.

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