What Did Trump Say About Jackson’s Win?
Trump endorsed Jones very early in his campaign and continued to back his candidacy after both he and Jackson advanced to a runoff. However, early on Wednesday, the president congratulated Jackson on Truth Social and also appeared to take some credit for his win. “Congratulations to Rick Jackson, who very successfully campaigned on being ‘TRUMP,’ and won. He will be your next Governor of Georgia,” he wrote. In a follow-up post, the president added: “Rick Jackson ran a great TRUMP Campaign. Very smart!” and claimed the billionaire candidate was with him on Saturday night, “making a pitch.” The president also offered some words of support for Jones, calling him a “great guy” who has a “fantastic future.”
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Forbes valuation
We estimate Jackson is worth at least $1 billion.
Tangent
Jackson is the second billionaire to run in a high-profile gubernatorial contest this primary season. Billionaire Tom Steyer, a Democrat, earlier this month fell short of making the gubernatorial runoff in California after spending more than $200 million of his own fortune on the race.
What To Watch For
Billionaire and former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy won the Ohio GOP gubernatorial primary in May. He will face Democrat Amy Acton in the general election. The race is expected to be highly competitive.
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Key Background
Jackson, 72, is a political newcomer who heads Jackson Healthcare medical conglomerate, one of the largest private companies in the U.S. He touts a rags-to-riches story after growing up in foster care and starting his business by buying a two-person staffing company, then a small physician recruiting firm that became Jackson Healthcare. Jones has campaigned against Jackson by highlighting the millions he’s spent on his campaign, accusing him of buying votes, while Jackson, in turn, has accused special interest groups of buying Jones.
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