Georgia Candidates Compete for Trump’s Endorsement
One of Georgia’s prominent Republican gubernatorial candidates is actively seeking the backing of former President Donald Trump, claiming he aims to be “Trump’s favorite governor.” However, an examination of Federal Election Commission records reveals that this candidate has previously supported several of Trump’s rivals in the upcoming 2024 presidential race.
Specifically, two of the leading candidates, Lieutenant Governor Bert Jones and healthcare entrepreneur Rick Jackson, are trying to position themselves as the more Trump-aligned option. “This primary is straightforward,” Jones stated on his campaign site. “There’s only one true conservative who has stood by President Trump.” In a striking move, Jackson, who recently entered the race, contributed $1 million to Trump’s political action committee, MAGA Inc., and pledged to become Trump’s favored governor.
However, a review of FEC documents by Fox News Digital indicates that Jackson and his businesses have previously donated to several of Trump’s competitors, even during Trump’s 2024 campaign prior to his securing the Republican nomination. For example, Jackson donated at least $150,000 to Nikki Haley and $100,000 to Vivek Ramaswamy, who was also vying for the presidency against Trump.
Jackson’s Financial Backing
Jackson, who heads Jackson Investment Group, has a long history of political donations. According to 2024 SEC records, his group contributed at least $150,000 to support Haley through SFA Fund, Inc., with substantial donations occurring shortly before she paused her campaign early in 2024. Additionally, he provided $10,000 directly to Team Stand for America, a committee that backed Haley.
A $100,000 donation to Ramaswamy’s super PAC was logged in July 2023, well before he suspended his campaign later that year. Jackson has also backed Trump’s opponents over the years, including contributions to former Rep. Liz Cheney and former Sen. Mitt Romney, in addition to donating over $1 million to support Jeb Bush’s campaign in 2016. Jackson notably contributed to Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene during her involvement with MAGA in 2020.
Jackson’s political donations illustrate a complex history, especially considering the $2,700 he provided to Cheney’s political action committee shortly after she voted with Democrats to impeach Trump for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot.
Current Campaign Dynamics
Jackson, who has poured at least $50 million into his own campaign, has added unpredictability to a primary race previously thought to be dominated by Jones, who is backed by Trump, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, and state Attorney General Chris Carr. Jackson draws parallels between himself and GOP leaders who were once hesitant to embrace Trump, and has pushed back against criticisms of his loyalty to the former president. When questioned about past donations, a spokesperson for Jackson shifted the focus to Jones, asserting that the lieutenant governor’s past involved numerous questionable actions.
In response, Jones’ spokesperson challenged Jackson’s claims, saying that his efforts regarding legislation on nicotine products aimed to promote free-market solutions and prevent monopolistic practices. They emphasized that Jones actively supports measures to restrict minors from receiving gender reassignment surgeries.
Despite the mudslinging, Jones’ team strongly refuted Jackson’s assertions, noting that Jackson had previously funded candidates opposing Trump. As the back-and-forth intensifies, one thing is clear: the battle for Trump’s endorsement is heating up as both candidates gear up for the primaries scheduled for May 19, with the general election set for early November.
