Overview
- A Rasmussen Reports poll published Sept. 16 shows Republican Rick Jackson ahead 48% to 45% over Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms with a 3-point margin of error and 7% undecided.
- Bottoms has pressed for a six-forum debate series while Jackson has declined several invitations and so far agreed only to a single town-hall–style joint appearance, leaving Bottoms to speak alone at the first scheduled Macon forum.
- AdImpact data published Sept. 15 finds Jackson spending roughly nine to ten times more on broadcast and reserved ads than Bottoms, with reported general-election aired spending near $75.8 million versus $8.2 million.
- The race is sharply divided by race, age and gender — Jackson leads among white and older voters while Bottoms leads among Black, Hispanic and younger voters — making targeted turnout efforts decisive.
- Early voting opens Oct. 13 and both campaigns are shifting toward voter contact and the October joint events, a dynamic that could determine whether the contest goes to the Nov. 3 ballot or a Dec. 1 runoff.