Posted on 02/04/2026 5:03:57 PM PST by spintreebob
A surprise new candidate has entered Georgia's 2026 governor's race, and he's bringing serious money with him.
Here's everything Georgians should know.
Who is Rick Jackson? Rick Jackson, 71, a Republican health care executive and billionaire founder of Jackson Healthcare, formally announced his candidacy for governor on Tuesday, Feb. 3, immediately shaking up the GOP primary field.
Jackson Healthcare, based in Alpharetta, has grown into one of Georgia’s largest health care staffing firms.
Jackson’s business profile and financial success have helped make him a well‑known figure in both the state's business community and Republican donor circles.
According to the AJC, he plans to invest at least $50 million of his own money into the race and has already begun assembling a $40 million advertising campaign.
Where is Rick Jackson from? Jackson grew up in Techwood Homes, a former public housing project near Georgia Tech, according to specials.myajc.com.
He entered foster care as a teenager, an experience that later shaped his advocacy work. He is married to Melody Moore Jackson, a Georgia Tech professor and research director.
The couple has three adult children, Shane, Chad and Dana, and Jackson is a grandfather. Shane Jackson serves as president of Jackson Healthcare, while Chad leads the family’s charitable foundation.
Other Georgia ties The latest faith-based film to hit the big screen, "90 Minutes in Heaven," has caused some Christians to question the popularity of books and movies about near-death experiences. Giving Films (courtesy) Jackson has been active in faith-based philanthropy, including foster care initiatives across Georgia. He previously produced the faith-based film "90 Minutes in Heaven", which premiered in Atlanta
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Jackson's business is healthcare. Healthcare is the #1 government expense in GA (and most states). What is Jackson's position on Waste Fraud Abuse WFA in government healthcare? in government healthcare contracts with the SWAMP?
GA Attorney General Chris Carr, another major candidate for governor has done little on Waste Fraud Abuse and is vulnerable on that issue.
Trump endorsed Burt Jones seems to be struggling to gain support. Will Rick Jackson replace Burt Jones as the Trump candidate? I suspect Rick Jackson has the religious right and pro-life vote getting out of the gate. What is Burt Jones base?
Gemini AI didn’t even mention Brad Rafensberger in analysis of the GA governor’s race. What does that say?
In New York City, dozens of people demonstrate in favor of the psycho who murdered a Health Care CEO.
I have gotten several flyers from a generic group criticizing Jones. I figured it must mean he is the best guy.!
GA is not NYC, thank God.
Prior to this week Burt Jones was the only credible MAGA candidate. (There are 4 minor candidates who have no chance of getting more than 5% in a primary.)
This week MAGA Rick Jackson enters the race with big bucks and well known in healthcare circles...and in prolife and Christian circles.
Unfortunately some of the ads against Burt Jones seem to be true and an albatross that pulls Jones down.
Rick Jackson’s “personal story” is far more attractive to voters than the other candidates. A primary business of Jackson Healthcare is healthcare employees who are sent to staff Hospitals and clinics accross GA...and across the US. Those employees are a natural source of support for Jackson.
I think he was a linebacker for the Saints.
Raffensberger is *hated* by the grassroots MAGA base, is my take.
Burt is liked by them.
This guy was a NeverTrumper, is my understanding. He is bad news if that is verified.
Got his Super Bowl ring with the 9ers.
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