# Jackson's money versus Trump's shadow in Georgia

> The GOP's best-funded gubernatorial candidate faces a dilemma: his party needs him to win, but the president's unpopularity may cost him moderate voters.
- Title: Jackson's money versus Trump's shadow in Georgia · Politico
- Summary: The GOP's best-funded gubernatorial candidate faces a dilemma: his party needs him to win, but the president's unpopularity may cost him moderate voters…
- Keywords: rick jackson, georgia, 2026 elections, governor's race, donald trump, republicans, moderate voters, politics, news, Jackson's, money, versus
- Source: Politico — https://politico.com/news/2026/10/21/rick-jackson-georgia-trump-midterms-01128445
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: rick jackson, georgia, 2026 elections, governor's race, donald trump, republicans, moderate voters, politics, news
## Jackson's spending spree
Rick Jackson, a billionaire health care executive and political newcomer, has spent nearly two hundred million dollars since entering Georgia's governor's race earlier this year.
## GOP's last hope
Georgia Republicans are counting on Jackson to save them from a wipeout in November, as many have given up on the state's Senate race where Rep. Mike Collins struggles against Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff.
## Broader Republican peril
Republicans worry that open contests for attorney general and lieutenant governor, plus control of the state general assembly, could be in peril in a larger blue wave.
## Trump's unpopular baggage
Jackson's deep pockets are being tested against a difficult political environment for Republicans, weighed down by unpopular Trump actions, including the war in Iran.
## The Trump visit problem
Some in the GOP worry that the president's repeated visits to Georgia could only make the situation worse for Republican candidates in the state.
## A catch-22 for Republicans
Jason Shepherd, a former Cobb County chair supporting Jackson, said Trump's visits may excite Democrats more than Republicans in a wave election year.

> I don't know that Trump coming helps Republicans more so than it excites Democrats, especially in a wave election year.
## Key takeaway

Rick Jackson, a billionaire health care executive, has spent nearly two hundred million dollars on Georgia's governor's race, but Republicans worry President Trump's unpopularity and repeated visits could hurt him with moderates and independents.