Dual Trump-Kemp Backing Gives Burt Jones Decisive Edge in Georgia Runoff

Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones asserted that his backing from both President Donald Trump and Gov. Brian Kemp gives him a decisive edge in the closely watched Republican gubernatorial runoff on Tuesday.

Speaking on election day, Jones stated he is confident about facing businessman Rick Jackson after finishing first in last month’s primary but failing to reach the 50% threshold required to avoid a runoff.

“We’ve got the president’s endorsement, which is the most powerful endorsement in the country, and we have Gov. Kemp’s endorsement, who’s the most popular elected official here in the state of Georgia,” Jones said. “That’s a pretty good one-two punch.”

The race has drawn national attention because Trump and Kemp, whose relationship was strained following the 2020 election, have frequently supported different candidates in Georgia Republican primaries.

Their support for Jones represents a show of unity within the state’s GOP establishment.

Jones said he is the only candidate in the race to secure endorsements from both Republican leaders and credited his working relationships with each for earning their support.

“Nobody else has been able to garner that support,” Jones said.

The lieutenant governor also highlighted his longstanding ties to Trump, portraying the relationship as evidence he would be well-positioned to work with the White House if elected governor.

“I’ve known President Trump for 10 years now,” Jones said. “I get to talk to the president of the United States a couple of times a week if I want to.”

Jones praised Trump’s performance in office and stated he wants to work alongside the president as Georgia’s next governor.

“Obviously, the president is a great friend. He’s doing a fantastic job as our commander in chief,” Jones said. “We’re so proud to have his support.”

The lieutenant governor noted that his campaign gained momentum after emerging from an eight-candidate primary field with the largest share of the vote.

Looking ahead to a potential general election, Jones indicated he would welcome a matchup against Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former Atlanta mayor and Biden administration official.

Jones argued that Bottoms carries political baggage from her tenure leading Atlanta and said Republicans would have a strong case against her record if she becomes the Democrat nominee.