Burt Jones was the inevitable Republican nominee for Georgia governor. Then Rick Jackson showed up - AP News

Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, who was widely expected to cruise to the Republican gubernatorial nomination, now faces an unexpected primary challenge from businessman Rick Jackson. Jackson, a political newcomer with significant personal wealth, has entered the race and begun building a campaign operation that could complicate Jones' path to the nomination. The primary challenge threatens to divide Republican resources and attention in what was anticipated to be an uncontested race for the party's nomination. Jones will now need to defend his conservative credentials and political record against an outsider candidate in the 2026 Republican primary. The development reshapes what was expected to be a straightforward succession race in the key swing state.