Rick Jackson commits to debate with Lt. Gov. Burt Jones at start of Georgia primary early voting
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and health care tycoon Rick Jackson are set to meet for a debate at the start of the Republican gubernatorial primary.
A spokesperson for Jackson's campaign said that the businessman has committed to the Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young Debate. The debate is set to take place on April 27, the day early voting starts, and will be broadcast live by GPB and on the Atlanta Press Club's YouTube channel.
Jones challenged Jackson to a debate in a post on X last week, saying that he didn't "think Action Jackson is ready for it."
"Georgia voters deserve to hear directly from the candidates, not just in flashy overpriced TV ads," the post read in part.
In the release announcing Jackson's commitment to the debate, his campaign said that he has been prioritizing voter engagement with town halls, tele-town halls, and other events across Georgia.
"Rick is running to be a voice for all Georgians who feel like they aren't heard under the Gold Dome because they aren't special interests and can't afford a lobbyist," said campaign spokesman Brian Robinson. "That's why he is prioritizing his time meeting Georgians in their communities and taking hundreds of questions directly from them."
The 71-year-old owner of Jackson Healthcare, one of the largest healthcare staffing firms nationwide, jumped into the race in February and spent more than $30 million of his own money on television ads — the most any candidate has ever spent in a primary race for Georgia governor.
Jones, who has President Trump's endorsement, has fought with Jackson over campaign finances, attack ads, and their pro-Trump credentials. Jones' campaign has claimed that Jackson is behind a series of attack ads that claim the lieutenant governor is using his office to enrich himself. Jackson has repeatedly denied that he is bankrolling the ads.
The political battle has also escalated into lawsuits, including one in which Jackson accuses Jones and his campaign of defamation over claims that the businessman "made his fortune recruiting for Planned Parenthood" and "helping doctors perform transgender procedures on minors."
Along with Jones and Jackson, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, Attorney General Chris Carr, Clark Dean, Gregg Kirkpatrick, Thomas Williams, and Kenneth Yasger are vying for the chance to succeed Gov. Brian Kemp, who is term-limited.
The winner of the May 19 primary will face off against the Democrats' pick. The candidates on that side include former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, and former state Sen. Jason Esteves.
Libertarian Chase Oliver will also be on the ballot in November.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.