A major political upset has unfolded in Georgia as billionaire healthcare entrepreneur Rick Jackson secured the Republican nomination for governor, defeating Trump-backed Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones in a closely watched runoff. Jackson, who entered the race late, spent nearly $100 million of his own fortune and campaigned as an outsider challenging the political establishment. His victory marks one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 election cycle and delivers a mixed result for Donald Trump, whose endorsed candidate fell short despite strong support. Jackson will now face former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in a high-stakes November showdown that could become one of America's most closely watched governor's races.