Politics
Rick Jackson’s late entry and record spending have erased Burt Jones’ early edge as Brad Raffensperger searches for an opening to make the runoff.
(Photo Illustration: By the AJC | Source: Miguel Martinez for the AJC, Arvin Temkar / AJC)
The most expensive Republican primary for governor in Georgia history is still a dead heat despite a staggering avalanche of ad spending and one of the ugliest intraparty fights in recent memory.
Republican healthcare executive Rick Jackson and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones have spent months hammering each other in court, on the debate stage, on the campaign trail and in an ad war that’s eclipsed $100 million in spending.
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Republican candidate for governor Brad Raffensperger, Georgia’s secretary of state, speaks at the Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young debates at Georgia Public Broadcasting on Monday, April 27, 2026. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)
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Republican candidate for governor Chris Carr, the attorney general, speaks at the Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young debates at Georgia Public Broadcasting on Monday, April 27, 2026. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)
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As part of its commitment to being the essential source of political news in Georgia, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution regularly commissions polls to measure public opinion about issues important to the state’s voters and about the officials who control the levers of power.
The AJC surveys, which are conducted by the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs, are among the few independent polls in the state during election years.
This story about the Republican primary for governor is the first of a series that will examine voter opinions and preferences heading into the May 19 primary. Stay tuned as we share results in the Democratic race for governor, the U.S. Senate contest and more.
For more on the candidates and this year’s election, check out the AJC’s 2026 AJC Voter Guide.
If you’d like a daily update on politics, subscribe to the Politically Georgia newsletter for analysis and insight delivered weekday mornings to your inbox.
Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.
Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution’s chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.
