Kemp backs Burt Jones in tight Georgia gubernatorial race, aligning last-minute decision with Trump

Published June 15, 2026 10:38am ET | Updated June 15, 2026 10:38am ET



Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) endorsed a candidate Sunday in Georgia’s close gubernatorial election, less than 48 hours before voters head to the polls.

Kemp followed in President Donald Trump’s footsteps with his decision to endorse Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the Republican gubernatorial primary runoff. Jones is facing businessman Rick Jackson on Tuesday, after neither GOP candidate secured more than 50% of the vote in last month’s primary election. Kemp called his No. 2 “a strong, trusted ally” in a lengthy statement explaining his endorsement, as polls indicate another razor-thin outcome.

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