Overview
- Gov. Brian Kemp publicly endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones on Sunday, citing their nearly 15 years working together and listing policy achievements such as tax cuts and expanded retirement benefits for law enforcement.
- Jones already has President Trump's endorsement, and the June 16 runoff will pit him against self‑funded outsider Rick Jackson with the winner slated to face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in November.
- Jackson has run a heavy self‑funded campaign, picked up endorsements including Sen. Ted Cruz, and used ads to cast Jones as tied to special interests.
- Early voting for the runoff ran June 8–12 and political observers say low turnout makes late endorsements, targeted outreach and ad buys especially decisive in determining the nominee.
- Kemp's move is meant to shape fall messaging around continuity of conservative governance and could influence which candidate controls appointments and policy priorities if the GOP holds the governor's office.