As Georgia’s June 16 gubernatorial runoff approaches, former rivals are lining up behind Keisha Lance Bottoms and other candidates—while Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones leans even harder into Trump support and the race pivots toward election-reform stakes.
On social media, Georgia’s governor’s race is starting to look less like a clean rematch and more like a scramble for momentum.
After Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and healthcare CEO Rick Jackson failed to reach a majority in the May 19 Republican primary. the contest now heads to a June 16 runoff—just one day before the Georgia General Assembly moves into a special session to take on election reform and possible redistricting. At the same time. Democrats are closing ranks behind Keisha Lance Bottoms. the former mayor of Atlanta who dominated the Democratic primary.
Bottoms now faces the winner of the Republican runoff. She has positioned herself with Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, who is also running for reelection in Georgia, as Democrats seek to carry springtime momentum from special elections across the state.
A total of 15 gubernatorial candidates entered the primary. Three emerged with significant statewide support, leaving the final stage of the campaign to narrow into two names—and then to broaden again as endorsements shift before voters go back to the polls.
Jones still leads with Trump—and doubled down
Jones came out on top in the Republican primary, taking the largest percentage of votes on May 19, with Jackson close behind as both tried to appeal to Georgia’s MAGA base.
Ahead of the runoff, Jones’s campaign continues to lean on President Trump’s endorsement. Jones had already been endorsed by Trump before Jackson entered the race. In the days since the primary. Jones has shared images. videos and comments from Trump about the endorsement. frequently calling himself the “true Trump candidate. ” even as Jackson tries to pull in MAGA voters.
Trump endorsed Jones before Jackson joined the field, but the former president has continued backing that initial choice.
Beyond Trump, Jones has also been endorsed by Congressmen Andrew Clyde, Rick Allen, newly-elected Clay Fuller, Brian Jack and Austin Scott. He also earned an endorsement from Tyler Bowyer with Turning Point Action, a branch of Turning Point USA founded by Charlie Kirk.
Jones was previously endorsed by country music star Jason Aldean, a Macon native, along with sheriff’s and state senators across Georgia.
One notable gap: Jones has not received an endorsement from Gov. Brian Kemp. Kemp has focused instead on supporting Derek Dooley in the U.S. Senate and has not endorsed any candidate in the Republican primary.
Jackson gains support from high-profile allies
Jackson’s camp, which had its own network of backers before primary day, has picked up major endorsements after the primary ended.
Jackson had been endorsed previously by NFL Hall of Famer and former UGA player Fran Tarkenton. state insurance commissioner candidate John King. state representative Bethany Ballard. Georgia Public Service Commissioner Bubba McDonald. state representative Steven Sainz. and state representative Lehman Franklin. among others.
The day after the primary. former Florida governor and Senator Rick Scott endorsed Jackson. calling him a “friend.” Scott said. “I know what it’s like for a conservative outsider and a businessman to come in and shake things up to take the state to the next level — I did it in Florida. and Rick will do the same in Georgia.”.
More recently, Jackson received an endorsement from his former opponent for governor, Attorney General Chris Carr.
Carr said on Tuesday. “I’m proud to endorse our next Governor. (Rick Jackson). ” adding. “A successful businessman and political outsider. Rick will build on Brian Kemp’s legacy — creating jobs. backing law enforcement and looking after the best interests of all Georgians.” Carr also worked in the state house with both Kemp and Jones during his time as Attorney General.
Bottoms builds an organized Democratic front
Bottoms arrived in the Democratic primary with strong backing, and after her win she is presenting an increasingly unified front for the general election.
Former President Joe Biden endorsed Bottoms earlier in the race, pointing to her time working in the Biden Administration and congratulating her work as Governor. After the primary, Biden reiterated his support in a post on X: “Let’s go win this thing.”
Bottoms also secured support from U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock after her primary win. Warnock wrote on social media, “(Bottoms) will be an excellent governor. She is a tested leader and powerful advocate who I know will fight to lower the cost of housing and health care for working families.” He followed with. “Let’s get to work!”.
Jason Esteves, Bottoms’ former opponent who finished second in the primary, endorsed her for the general election as well. Esteves said, “We’re going to flip the governor’s office blue this year and deliver change all across our state.” He added, “I remain hopeful about the future of our state.”
Bottoms is also set to appear with Sen. Ossoff at a campaign event in Atlanta next week.
Before the primary, Bottoms was endorsed by EMILYs List, a pro-choice political action committee; California Gov. Gavin Newsom; Higher Heights for America; rapper and activist Killer Mike; and others.
The race is narrowing just as the state prepares for election changes
With only two full weeks between now and the June 16 runoff. the timing of the general election matchup is colliding with a broader political fight in Georgia’s capital. The General Assembly’s special session—scheduled for one day after the runoff—will focus on election reform and possible redistricting.
Against that backdrop, Republican voters will pick between Jones and Jackson, while Democrats work to convert primary dominance into statewide control of the governor’s office.
Bottoms, for her part, is moving forward with Democratic support that now includes her former rival, a test of unity that may matter just as much as any single endorsement as the runoff approaches.
Georgia governor's race June 16 runoff Keisha Lance Bottoms Burt Jones Rick Jackson Trump endorsement election reform redistricting Jon Ossoff Raphael Warnock Biden endorsement Chris Carr endorsement Rick Scott endorsement
So it’s basically Trump vibes vs the rest? lol
Why do they always “line up behind” like it’s a team sport right before the runoff. I just want someone who won’t change district lines every other month.
I saw something that said Jon Ossoff is part of it, so is Keisha Bottoms just gonna copy what he wants? Don’t they already have enough power in Georgia? Also special session one day before? That sounds cooked.
Election reform/redistricting is the real storyline, not even the candidates tbh. Burt Jones going harder for Trump doesn’t surprise me at all, but why does it feel like the Republicans can’t get their act together? And the “momentum” thing… is that code for ads?