A candidate endorsed by Donald Trump is behind in Georgia’s Republican gubernatorial runoff, according to a recent survey showing a significant shift in the race. In Georgia, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones trails businessman Rick Jackson by a slender margin, as revealed by an InsiderAdvantage poll before the critical runoff election on Tuesday.
As Georgia’s runoff draws attention, it serves as an indicator of Trump’s sway over Republican voters. Should Jones lose, it would signify a rare setback for a Trump-backed contender, suggesting that endorsements might be losing their impact in competitive races.
The race also highlights a struggle between different factions of Georgia’s GOP. Jones was initially the front-runner with Trump’s support, whereas Jackson has seen an increase in popularity thanks to substantial campaign spending and positioning himself as an outsider, challenging the state’s Republican leaders.
Poll Shows Race Tightening Ahead of Runoff
A survey of 800 potential voters from June 13 to 14 indicates Jackson’s lead over Jones at 49% to 46%, with 5% remaining undecided. The poll has a margin of error of 3.31 percentage points. Another poll is expected before the runoff, influenced by incumbent Governor Brian Kemp’s endorsement of Jones.
Governor Kemp, unable to run again, holds significant popularity among Republicans, making his backing crucial in such a tightly contested race. The runoff resulted from neither candidate achieving a majority in the previous primary, where Jones secured about 38% and Jackson 33%. Momentum appears to favor Jackson, who has reversed Jones’s earlier lead.
A separate Cygnal poll supports Jackson’s recent success, showing his overtaking of Jones. Jackson’s campaign has been bolstered by self-funding, with Politico reporting his expenditure of about $100 million, making it one of the most expensive gubernatorial primaries.
The race unfolds amid broader GOP dynamics in Georgia, where Governor Kemp’s support for Senate candidate Derek Dooley conflicts with Trump’s endorsement of Mike Collins, presenting a test of GOP power structures.
Though Trump’s endorsement record has been strong, a New York Post analysis showed earlier victories. However, the defeat of Trump’s pick in Iowa’s gubernatorial primary highlights that presidential backing, while influential, isn’t always guaranteed to result in success.
What Happens Next
The crucial Georgia GOP runoff occurs Tuesday, with the winner moving on to challenge Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in November’s general election.