Republican Rick Jackson campaigns for Georgia governor with Trump ties

Rick Jackson, a Republican billionaire and healthcare investor, is campaigning to become Georgia's next governor, WRAL reported. He has drawn comparisons between himself and former President Donald Trump, highlighting his promise to fight for working-class voters.

Unlike Trump, who was born into wealth, Jackson spent his early years in foster care before building his fortune, according to the Associated Press. His campaign motto, “From foster care to billionaire,” underscores his personal journey.

Jackson is leveraging both his similarities and differences with Trump in his campaign. He has been seen at campaign events alongside Trump, including a rally at Dalton Municipal Airport, as reported by the Daily Gazette.

Democratic candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms, a former Atlanta mayor, challenges Jackson’s image and questions whether his softer conservative approach can effectively counter Trump's style, the Daily Gazette noted.

Jackson is investing his own money into the campaign and plans to join Trump at a rally in Perry, Georgia, signaling his alignment with the former president's base, according to the Daily Gazette.

The race for Georgia governor is shaping up to be a contest between Jackson’s personal story and business background and Bottoms’ political experience and critiques of his approach.