Trump-Backed Candidate Trails in Georgia Runoff: Poll Insights
The Republican gubernatorial runoff in Georgia is tightening, with Donald Trump-backed candidate Burt Jones trailing businessman Rick Jackson by 3 points, according to a recent InsiderAdvantage poll. The poll suggests a dramatic shift in the race dynamics, days before voters head to the polls.
Burt Jones, Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor, has been touted as the favorite due to his endorsement from Trump. However, Jackson’s robust campaign spending and outsider appeal have gained him traction among voters, signaling a proxy war within Georgia’s GOP.
The InsiderAdvantage survey, conducted from June 13 to 14 with 800 likely voters, shows Jackson leading with 49 percent, while Jones captures 46 percent. Meanwhile, 5 percent of voters remain undecided. The poll’s margin of error stands at 3.31 percentage points. As the run-off election approaches, more polling is expected, especially with Jones receiving a late endorsement from the current Governor, Brian Kemp.
Kemp, ineligible for another term, remains a popular figure among Georgia Republicans. His backing could provide Jones an edge in the tight race. Neither candidate secured a majority in last month’s primary, triggering the runoff. Jones previously led in May polls, but Jackson has since surged ahead thanks to substantial self-funding, totaling around $100 million.
This high-stakes contest highlights broader Republican dynamics in Georgia, where competing endorsements reveal rifts within the party. Kemp’s support for Senate candidate Derek Dooley stands in contrast to Trump’s endorsement of Mike Collins, showcasing power struggles within the GOP.
Historically, Trump’s endorsements have been successful, with candidates winning 118 Republican gubernatorial, House, and Senate primaries through May. However, Randy Feenstra’s defeat in Iowa marked a setback, illustrating that presidential backing, while influential, is not always decisive.
As voters prepare for Tuesday’s runoff, the winner will face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in November’s general election. Georgia’s political landscape remains competitive, with the outcome providing insights into influential GOP voices.