Georgia billionaire enters crowded governor race. Who is Rick Jackson?
Vanessa JohnsA surprise new candidate entered Georgia's 2026 governor's race earlier this week, and he's bringing serious money with him.
Here's everything Georgians should know.
Who is Rick Jackson?
Rick Jackson, 71, a Republican health care executive and billionaire founder of Jackson Healthcare, formally announced his candidacy for governor on Tuesday, Feb. 3, immediately shaking up the GOP primary field.
Jackson Healthcare, based in Alpharetta, has grown into one of Georgia’s largest health care staffing firms.
Jackson’s business profile and financial success have helped make him a well‑known figure in both the state's business community and Republican donor circles.
According to the AJC, he plans to invest at least $50 million of his own money into the race and has already begun assembling a $40 million advertising campaign.
Where is Rick Jackson from?
Jackson grew up in Techwood Homes, a former public housing project near Georgia Tech, according to specials.myajc.com.
He entered foster care as a teenager, an experience that later shaped his advocacy work. He is married to Melody Moore Jackson, a Georgia Tech professor and research director.
The couple has three adult children, Shane, Chad and Dana, and Jackson is a grandfather. Shane Jackson serves as president of Jackson Healthcare, while Chad leads the family’s charitable foundation.
Other Georgia ties
Jackson has been active in faith-based philanthropy, including foster care initiatives across Georgia. He previously produced the faith-based film "90 Minutes in Heaven", which premiered in Atlanta
What's next
Georgia voters have several key deadlines to keep in mind ahead of the 2026 election:
- Voter registration closes April 20, for in-person, online and mail registrations
- Absentee ballot requests are due by May 8, whether submitted in person, online or by mail
- Completed absentee ballots must be returned by May 19
- Early voting will be available statewide from April 27 through May 15
- Polls will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For a closer look at the candidates, visit ballotpedia.org/Georgia_gubernatorial_election,_2026.
Vanessa Countryman is the Trending Topics Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team Georgia. Email her at [email protected]m.