Rick Jackson just upended Georgia's GOP establishment—and a key Trump pick—on his way to the governor's race. Healthcare executive and billionaire Jackson defeated Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the Republican runoff, despite Jones' backing from both President Trump and Gov. Brian Kemp, reports the AP. The loss dents Trump's record in statewide primaries and reshapes what was once seen as Jones' race to lose, the Hill reports. Jackson's campaign spent more than $100 million, much of it from his personal fortune.
He now heads into a closely watched general election against the Democratic nominee, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. The race is rated a toss-up by the Cook Political Report. The primary turned increasingly bitter, the Hill reports. Jones questioned Jackson's conservative credentials and accused him of profiting from work tied to abortion services and gender-affirming care; Jackson responded with a defamation lawsuit, calling the claims fabricated. A Jones-owned company separately sued Jackson for $100 million over suggestions it was tied to criminal activity. Jackson's victory marks a win for GOP figures, including Sens. Ted Cruz and Rick Scott, who endorsed him.
- In Tuesday's other Republican runoff in Georgia, Kemp-backed US Senate candidate Derek Dooley was defeated by self-described "MAGA warrior" Rep. Mike Collins. Trump endorsed Collins on Sunday.
- Another Trump-backed House Republican, Rep. Barry Moore, won the GOP runoff vote in Alabama for the Senate seat being vacated by Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville. Moore defeated former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson, a political newcomer, the AP reports.
- A third House GOPer, Rep. Kevin Hern, cruised to victory in Oklahoma's Senate primary, Fox News reports. Hern was endorsed by Trump and he's expected to win in November in a state where Trump won all 77 counties.
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