Georgia Governor Candidates Face Turnout Fight Before Election

With Georgia's gubernatorial election approaching, Republican candidate Rick Jackson is intensifying his campaign alongside prominent party figures as polling shows a close contest with Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz joined Jackson at a Henry County rally on Friday, October 23, 2026, while Republicans emphasized voter turnout as a decisive factor in the race.

According to reporting by Yahoo, Jackson planned to attend separate weekend rallies with President Donald Trump and Gov. Brian Kemp. His campaign confirmed an appearance with Trump at an event in Perry on Saturday and another rally with Kemp in Cherokee County, with 11 days remaining until Election Day.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that its October 2026 poll surveyed 1,000 likely general election voters in Georgia by telephone through the University of Georgia's School of Public and International Affairs. Interviews took place October 7-15, and the poll had a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.

At the Henry County event, Cruz acknowledged that the governor's contest remained unexpectedly competitive.

"This race for governor is basically tied. It shouldn't be, but it is," said Ted Cruz, U.S. senator from Texas.

Cruz also urged supporters to reject Democratic policies, framing the election as a broader ideological contest. His remarks included criticism of what he characterized as the Democratic Party's political direction.

"It's not a battle between liberal and conservative. This is a battle between crazy and sane," Cruz said.

After the rally, Fox 5 reporter Rob DiRienzo asked Cruz why the race remained so close. Cruz expressed confidence that Georgia voters would ultimately support his preferred candidate.

"Look, it's unfortunate that it's close, but I think at the end of the day, the people of Georgia are going to make the right decision," Cruz said.

Jackson, a Republican businessman who has spent nearly $200 million on his campaign since entering the race earlier in 2026, has focused on affordability and taxes. He has also criticized Bottoms' record as Atlanta's mayor during the 2020 riots.

Addressing his economic agenda, Jackson pledged to reduce the state's income tax during his first term if elected governor.

"As governor, I will cut Georgia's income tax in half during my first term," Jackson said.

Jackson also attacked his Democratic opponent's leadership record, presenting it as a reason voters should choose a different direction for the state.

"Bad mayors don't make good governors," said Rick Jackson, Republican candidate for governor.

Former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue reinforced the campaign's focus on participation, arguing that Republican prospects depend on whether conservative voters cast ballots. His remarks echoed concerns among party figures that a closely contested race could turn on turnout rather than a clear polling advantage.

"I believe Georgia still Georgia. But, folks, the game is played by who shows up. And if we don't show up, they win," said Sonny Perdue, former Georgia governor.

Republican leaders have also faced questions about Trump's involvement in the campaign. Kemp's relationship with Trump has remained strained for years following Kemp's refusal to overturn Georgia's 2020 election results. Meanwhile, some Republicans have expressed concern that Trump's low approval ratings could complicate his appearances, although Cruz argued that Democratic policies posed the greater political risk.