{"id":2568749,"date":"2026-02-11T12:17:02","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T17:17:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/rick-jackson-comes-out-ahead-in-georgia-governor-race-polling\/"},"modified":"2026-02-11T12:20:30","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T17:20:30","slug":"rick-jackson-comes-out-ahead-in-georgia-governor-race-polling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/rick-jackson-comes-out-ahead-in-georgia-governor-race-polling\/","title":{"rendered":"Rick Jackson comes out ahead in Georgia governor race polling"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">20<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Frick-jackson-comes-out-ahead-in-georgia-governor-race-polling%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2568749&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Rick Jackson, a healthcare executive who recently entered Georgia\u2019s GOP gubernatorial race, has surged too the top of a new poll, with 24% support among likely Republican primary voters. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones sits at 16%, followed by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger at 9% and Attorney General Chris carr at 3%, with about 42% of voters undecided.The survey of 1,123 voters (margin of error \u00b13.18%) was conducted Feb. 8\u20139, and suggests a crowded field that could require a May 19 runoff if no candidate reaches 50%. Jackson plans to self-fund up to $50 million and portrays himself as a conservative outsider aiming to shake up the political establishment, proposing aggressive tax cuts and education reforms.Jones remains the establishment favorite and has Donald Trump\u2019s endorsement, while party figures consider how to marshal support around him. The race features contrasting polls and ongoing jockeying over endorsements and campaign strategy as Georgia moves toward the primary.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Rick Jackson gains wide lead in Georgia governor&rsquo;s race as Burt Jones campaign waves off his momentum<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2501219\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>A newcomer in the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/georgia\/\">Georgia <\/a>gubernatorial race is leading a crowded field of Republican contenders, according to a new <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/polls\/\">poll<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Healthcare executive Rick Jackson, who announced his candidacy last week, holds 24% support from likely GOP primary voters, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/coefficientpoll\/status\/2021348960682533050\">according to<\/a> the co\/efficient poll. Up next is Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, viewed as the front-runner in the race with 16%. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger holds 9%, and state Attorney General Chris Carr holds 3%, with the poll notably finding 42% of voters remain undecided, roughly three months before the primary election.&nbsp;The poll of 1,123 voters had a margin of error of +\/- 3.18%, and was conducted Feb. 8-9.<\/p>\n<div class=\"recommended-stories\">\n<h2>Recommended Stories<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4452874\/hochul-challenger-antonio-delgado-drops-out-of-new-york-gubernatorial-race\/\">Hochul challenger Antonio Delgado drops out of New York gubernatorial race<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4451706\/burt-jones-maga-muscle-georgia-gubernatorial-shake-up\/\">&#8216;Only Trump-endorsed candidate&#8217;: Burt Jones flexes MAGA muscle after Georgia gubernatorial shake-up<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4451821\/eric-swalwell-adam-schiff-endorsement-california-governor-race\/\">Adam Schiff endorses Eric Swalwell for California governor<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>The development, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/TeamJacksonHQ\/status\/2021353137798623616\">touted by <\/a>the Jackson campaign, comes after a previous <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cygn.al\/polls\/georgia-statewide-poll-2026\/\">Cygnal poll <\/a>released on Monday found Jones leading with 22% support. Jackson followed at 16%, with Raffensperger at 10% and Carr at 7%. That poll of 600 voters had a margin of error of +\/- 4%, and was conducted Feb. 5-6.<\/p>\n<p>The latest poll favoring Jackson was conducted by <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/creativedirect.net\/team\/\">Creative Direct<\/a>, a firm that appears to hold ties to his campaign. According to Jackson&rsquo;s Facebook page, the firm is backing Jackson&rsquo;s campaign and is run by Travis Smith, a former <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/travis-smith-808a5a331\/\">partner<\/a> at co\/efficient.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;The &lsquo;poll&rsquo; showing Rick Jackson jumping from 0 to 24 in under a week was conducted by the same firm running his campaign. The only person they&rsquo;re fooling is Rick Jackson. We wish them the best of luck keeping the grift going until Rick and his family notice the surgery being performed on his wallet,&rdquo; Kayla Lott, Jones&rsquo;s communications director, told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>The field of GOP candidates vying to succeed outgoing Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) was largely considered set before Jackson launched his campaign on Feb. 3, upending the race&rsquo;s dynamics. With his entrance, a four-way Republican contest will likely increase the probability of a runoff if no candidate captures more than 50% of the vote on May 19. If no candidate secures an outright majority in Georgia, the race will advance to a June 16 runoff election.<\/p>\n<p>Jackson, who runs an eponymous healthcare company, has pledged to inject $50 million of his money into the race through a self-funded campaign.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In his opening pitch to voters last week, the unexpected newcomer framed himself as a&nbsp;&ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/luigi-mangione-musical-to-debut-in-san-francisco-washington-examiner\/\" title=\"Luigi Mangione musical to debut in San Francisco - Washington Examiner\">real-life&#038;rdquo<\/a>; conservative outsider seeking to break up the political establishment &ldquo;cartel.&rdquo; Jackson has an ambitious tax-cutting plan that <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >includes freezing property taxes<\/a> and cutting the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/im-most-proud-of-getting-our-kids-back-at-school-floridas-desantis-on-which-policy-mattered-most\/\" title=\"\u2018I\u2019m Most Proud Of Getting Our Kids Back At School\u2019: Florida\u2019s DeSantis On Which Policy Mattered Most\">state income tax<\/a> by 50% within four years. He also promised to &ldquo;criminalize reverse discrimination&rdquo; and pursue the removal of &ldquo;woke ideology&rdquo; from Georgia&rsquo;s education system.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Atlanta could be as big a swamp as Washington,&rdquo; Jackson told supporters. &ldquo;I don&rsquo;t care what the insiders want, how much they beg or how much they give. I can&rsquo;t be bought, and I won&rsquo;t back down.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>His candidacy comes as the leading Georgia officials have largely coalesced around Jones, even <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.politico.com\/news\/2026\/02\/10\/rnc-burt-jones-georgia-gov-00772790\">quietly changing<\/a> the rules to allow the Republican National Committee to support the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/utah-gop-primary-results-up-in-the-air-as-state-supreme-court-agrees-to-hear-challenge-washington-examiner\/\" title=\"Utah GOP ... results up in the air as state Supreme Court agrees to hear challenge - Washington Examiner\">lieutenant governor&#038;rsquo<\/a>;s campaign.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;I can see a path to victory for all four of them right now,&rdquo; Jason Shepherd, a former Cobb County GOP chairman who is backing Carr, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.politico.com\/news\/2026\/02\/10\/rnc-burt-jones-georgia-gov-00772790\">told <\/a><em>Politico<\/em>. &ldquo;But Burt Jones&rsquo; path to victory just got a lot harder&rdquo; with Jackson&rsquo;s entrance.<\/p>\n<p>President Donald Trump also endorsed Jones, though Jackson has sought to appeal to the president&rsquo;s base.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;If you want another career politician who will bow to the cartel, my opponents are for you. But if you want a governor who&rsquo;s like President Trump, who will stand up to the radical left, the media, the bureaucracy, and anyone else that tries to take advantage of Georgians, then I&rsquo;m your man,&rdquo; Jackson said during his launch speech.<\/p>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/4446635\/trump-georgia-raid-2020-governor-senate\/\"><strong>TRUMP RAID REOPENS 2020 FAULT LINES IN GEORGIA GOVERNOR AND SENATE RACES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jones has <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4451706\/burt-jones-maga-muscle-georgia-gubernatorial-shake-up\/\">sought to cast doubt<\/a> on his opponent&rsquo;s Trump credentials.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Iron sharpens iron, so competition never has bothered me,&rdquo; he told the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> earlier this week. &ldquo;It doesn&rsquo;t change the fact that I&rsquo;m the only Trump-endorsed candidate in the race.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jackson leads GA GOP field; Jones momentum fades<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3142,"featured_media":2568750,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26034757952658.jpg?w=683","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651,538],"tags":[6571,4977,4173,15698,73368],"class_list":["post-2568749","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","category-washington-examiner","tag-elections","tag-georgia","tag-governor","tag-polling","tag-rick-jackson"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/AP26034757952658.jpg?w=683","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2568749","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3142"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2568749"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2568749\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2568753,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2568749\/revisions\/2568753"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2568750"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2568749"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2568749"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2568749"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}