Rick Jackson, the founder and CEO of Jackson Healthcare, has declared his candidacy for Governor of Georgia. “They called me white trash. I grew up in the projects, then was passed around to 5 foster homes. Learned to work hard, trusted in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, started a family, and founded a business. Today I employ thousands of Georgians, taking care of people and protecting America’s antibiotic supply. I’m running for Governor now to deliver the results that do-nothing politicians never will,” Jackson said in a Facebook post announcing his campaign. Jackson’s campaign announcement video shares details of how he “saved the last antibiotics producer in America from bankruptcy, increased production, and sacrificed millions to save American lives.” “When COVID hit Georgia, Gov. Kemp asked Jackson for more doctors and nurses. And Jackson delivered again, refusing to send help to New York until Georgia got the emergency care it needed,” the ad said. “We’ll make Georgia number one in the nation for criminal deportations,” Jackson said in the video. “If we can’t teach Christianity in schools, we’re not going to let them teach the religion of woke ideology,” he continued. “We’ll ban DEI insanity and criminalize reverse discrimination. And if we can’t cut the state income tax in half and freeze property taxes, I won’t run again,” Jackson added. “I donated a million bucks to Trump because Trump’s success inspired me to do this for Georgia,” he said. Watch the full video: 11Alive has more: His entrance is a jolt to the Republican primary field that already features three prominent statewide officeholders: Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Attorney General Chris Carr, and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. While his opponents have been running since 2025, Jackson enters the race with just months to go before the primary election. Facing a short runway, he quickly began reserving airtime. Ad tracking firm AdImpact reported Tuesday he’d already placed more than $950,000 in ad buys for this week. The Republican’s campaign site said, if elected, he would “cut taxes, lower costs, secure the state, and make government work for the people.” “As Governor, Rick will fight to make Georgia the most affordable state in America by freezing property taxes, cutting the state income tax, eliminating wasteful spending, and raising standards in government and education,” the site states. “Rick’s running because Georgia is at a defining moment — and what comes next really matters.” “Rick Jackson, the newest @GaRepublicans candidate for governor, just announced that he’s running — and he is putting $40+ million in his campaign,” Washington Reporter Editor-In-Chief Matthew Foldi said. “His first ad goes hard after Brad Raffensperger, comparing him to Judas,” he added. Check it out: #GAGOV news: Rick Jackson, the newest @GaRepublicans candidate for governor, just announced that he’s running — and he is putting $40+ million in his campaign His first ad goes hard after Brad Raffensperger, comparing him to Judas pic.twitter.com/ERuQNOqRcP — Matthew Foldi (@MatthewFoldi) February 3, 2026 CBS News shared further: According to his campaign page, Jackson moved through 13 schools while in foster care before taking a straight-commission sales job after he could no longer afford college. He later bought the company he worked for, a decision he describes as betting on himself. Today, Jackson says his businesses operate in all 50 states, help provide care to more than 20 million patients each year and generate more than $3 billion in annual revenue. He says his companies play a role in protecting the nation’s antibiotic supply, a point he often highlights as evidence of his focus on practical results.