Leading GOP Candidate In Georgia Governors Race Sues Trump-Backed Opponent For Defamation

Published: Monday, March 9, 2026 at 4:56 pm

GOP Gubernatorial Race in Georgia Heats Up with Defamation Lawsuit

Atlanta, GA - The race for Georgia's 2026 gubernatorial election is intensifying as Republican candidate Rick Jackson, a healthcare executive, has filed a defamation lawsuit against his primary opponent, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. The lawsuit, filed this week in Fulton County Superior Court, alleges that Jones made three defamatory statements about Jackson on social media. Jones has received an endorsement from President Donald Trump.

The Jackson campaign claims Jones is resorting to "cheap and dirty politics" rather than focusing on his own record. In response, Jones' campaign spokesperson stated that Jackson is "embarrassed" about his company's dealings, including state contracts, and alleged involvement with Planned Parenthood and transgender healthcare.

The lawsuit stems from a March 5th social media post by Jones, where he claimed Jackson profited from Planned Parenthood recruitment, transgender procedures on minors, and received over $1 billion in state contracts.

The campaign has been marked by significant spending. Jackson has spent nearly $16 million on advertising since launching his campaign in early February, significantly more than Jones. Recent polls show a mixed picture of the race. One poll shows Jackson leading with 37% support, while another shows a closer race with Jones at 21% and Jackson at 20%. A third poll indicates that Trump's endorsement is a significant factor, with 31% of respondents saying it makes them more likely to support Jones.

Under Georgia law, if no candidate receives over 50% of the vote in the May 19th primary, the top two candidates will proceed to a runoff election on June 16th. This is not the first legal battle between the two candidates. Jackson previously sued Jones over a state campaign finance law, alleging it gave Jones an unfair advantage. Jackson's companies have also received nearly $1 billion in payments from state agencies since 2020.

BNN's Perspective: The increasingly acrimonious tone of this primary race highlights the deep divisions within the Republican party. While the legal battles and accusations of impropriety are concerning, the focus on policy and the future of Georgia seems to be taking a backseat. Voters will need to carefully consider the candidates' records and platforms amidst the mudslinging.

Keywords: Georgia Governor, Republican Primary, Rick Jackson, Burt Jones, Defamation, Donald Trump, Election, Politics, Campaign, Lawsuit, Polling, Georgia, GOP, Gubernatorial Race

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