Jones, Jackson move to Republican primary run-off in Georgia governor race

"Burt Jones and Rick Jackson have advanced to a run-off in Georgia's Republican primary for governor, extending a bruising fight over who will represent the party in November's midterm election. Jones, Georgia's lieutenant governor, and Jackson, a healthcare billionaire, will face each other again in the June 16 run-off after neither secured enough support to win the nomination outright following voting on Tuesday."

"The winner will seek to replace Republican Governor Brian Kemp, who is barred by term limits from running again. US President Donald Trump endorsed Jones last year, and Jones thanked him on Tuesday night. A victory for Jones would strengthen Trump's influence in Georgia, a key battleground state where his record as a political kingmaker has been mixed."

"Democrats are also choosing their nominee as they try to win the governor's office for the first time since 1998. The Democratic field includes former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Republican Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, former state Senator Jason Esteves and former state labour commissioner Mike Thurmond."

"Separately, Democrat Jasmine Clark won her party's nomination on Tuesday to succeed late Representative David Scott in Georgia's 13th Congressional District after Scott died in April while seeking another term. Clark, a state representative, microbiologist and lecturer at Emory University, has pledged to prioritise science policy in Congress. Her campaign was boosted by more than $2m in outside spending from cryptocurrency-linked groups, although Clark said she did not seek their support."

Burt Jones and Rick Jackson advanced to a June 16 runoff in Georgia’s Republican primary for governor after Tuesday voting failed to produce an outright winner. Jones, Georgia’s lieutenant governor, and Jackson, a healthcare billionaire, will compete to replace term-limited Republican Governor Brian Kemp. Donald Trump endorsed Jones, and Jones thanked him after Tuesday’s results. A Jones win would increase Trump’s influence in Georgia, a key battleground state. Democrats are also selecting a nominee for governor, with candidates including Keisha Lance Bottoms, Geoff Duncan, Jason Esteves, and Mike Thurmond. Separately, Jasmine Clark won the Democratic nomination for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District after David Scott’s death, pledging science-focused policy and benefiting from over $2 million in outside spending tied to cryptocurrency groups.

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