Burt Jones challenges Rick Jackson to a runoff debate in Georgia

Published May 20, 2026 9:56am ET | Updated May 20, 2026 9:56am ET



Lt. Gov. Burt Jones quickly switched gears after making it to a runoff in the Georgia gubernatorial election, challenging his rival, healthcare executive Rick Jackson, to a debate.

Jones and Jackson made it to a runoff Tuesday after they took 38.4% and 32.5% of the vote, respectively. The two are largely ideologically aligned, distinguished by their pro-Trump credentials, while the anti-Trump Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger received just 15% of the vote. In the contest to decide which pro-Trump Republican will advance to the general election to face incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Jones is hoping to settle the matter in a debate.

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