Georgia
Jones campaign goes on offense against Jackson in Georgia governor race
The complaint underscores how quickly the billionaire’s candidacy has transformed a race already headed toward record spending.
Healthcare business owner Rick Jackson speaks to supporters in his campaign kickoff speech for Georgia governor at Jackson Healthcare in Alpharetta on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones’ allies are moving swiftly to confront the newest threat in Georgia’s Republican race for governor, a recognition that billionaire health care entrepreneur Rick Jackson has already reshaped the contest.
Valdosta forester Allen Kennedy, a Jones ally and GOP activist, filed an ethics complaint Friday alleging Jackson’s campaign violated state law by spending money and producing ads before formally registering a campaign committee and filing required paperwork with the state.
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Lieutenant Governor of Georgia Burt Jones addresses the House Chamber during a joint session for the Supreme Court of Georgia Chief Justice Nels S.D. Peterson’s first State of the Judiciary address to the Georgia General Assembly on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)
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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.