Georgia governor’s race nearly tied between Bottoms and Jackson, poll shows

A recent poll conducted by the University of Georgia’s School of Public and International Affairs and reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution shows the Georgia governor’s race is nearly tied between Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican Rick Jackson.

According to FOX 5 Atlanta, both candidates have strong party support, with 94% of Republicans backing Jackson and 93% of Democrats supporting Bottoms. Among independents, Bottoms leads slightly with 43% to Jackson’s 38%, while 18% remain undecided.

The poll highlights demographic divides: Jackson leads among white voters with 66% support and among those aged 65 and older with 58%. Bottoms is favored by 88% of Black voters and 63% of voters younger than 30, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.

Voter enthusiasm also differs, with 68% of Democrats expressing high enthusiasm for the election compared to 48% of Republicans. Early voting is robust, with about 1 million ballots cast, representing 13.6% of Georgia’s 7.5 million registered voters.

Jackson, a billionaire health care executive and backed by outgoing Governor Brian Kemp, has spent significant personal funds on his campaign. Bottoms, the former Atlanta mayor, is campaigning amid a low approval rating for former President Trump, whom Jackson is associated with.

The poll also reveals that 58% of voters believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, while 52% think Georgia is on the right track, setting the stage for a competitive contest that could shape the state’s political future.