Rick Jackson, founder and CEO of Jackson Healthcare, has declared his candidacy for Governor of Georgia. In a Facebook post announcing his campaign, Jackson stated: “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’s campaign announcement video highlighted his claim of saving “the last antibiotics producer in America from bankruptcy, increased production, and sacrificed millions to save American lives.” The ad noted: “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.”
In the video, Jackson pledged: “We’ll make Georgia number one in the nation for criminal deportations,” and added, “If we can’t teach Christianity in schools, we’re not going to let them teach the religion of woke ideology.” He also stated: “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 revealed he donated a million dollars to Trump because “Trump’s success inspired me to do this for Georgia.” Jackson’s entry into the Republican primary field has been described as a jolt to a race already featuring three prominent statewide officeholders: Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Attorney General Chris Carr, and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.
The campaign site states that if elected, Jackson would “cut taxes, lower costs, secure the state, and make government work for the people.” Specifically, it promises: “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.”
Matthew Foldi reported Jackson has already placed more than $950,000 in ad buys for this week, with plans to invest “$40+ million” in his campaign. According to Jackson’s campaign page, he 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 emphasizes that his companies play a role in protecting the nation’s antibiotic supply.