<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/georgia/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Georgia</a> Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson has withdrawn lawsuits against his primary rival, state Lt. Gov. <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/tag/burt-jones/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Burt Jones</a>, as he seeks an endorsement in the upcoming general election against Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Jackson had filed two lawsuits against Jones during a competitive primary, which concluded with Jackson winning a runoff election. A <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/state/4598999/burt-jones-company-sues-rick-jackson-100-million-early-voting/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">libel lawsuit</a> against Jones filed in March was dropped earlier this month, and Jackson dropped a second lawsuit on Friday that alleged Jones used a campaign fundraising tool for an unfair advantage.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As the November election approaches, Jackson appears to be seeking reconciliation with Jones to secure his endorsement. His campaign stated to the <em>Atlanta Journal-Constitution</em> that the decision to drop the lawsuits was intended to <a href="https://www.ajc.com/politics/2026/09/gop-candidate-for-governor-rick-jackson-drops-lawsuits-against-burt-jones/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">move forward</a>.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Rick is not looking backwards,” said Garrison Douglas, a spokesman for Jackson. “He is focused on making sure we defeat Keisha Lance Bottoms and deliver an agenda that creates opportunity for all 11 million Georgians no matter their ZIP code.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Jones has indicated that any reconciliation would need to begin with Jackson. “I’m open for discussion, but it’s their move to make, to have a genuine conversation about it,” Jones told the <em>Atlanta Journal-Constitution</em>. “Let’s not forget they filed a defamation lawsuit against me.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Jones had also filed a lawsuit against Jackson, accusing him and associated entities of libel and defamation related to allegations made during the campaign about the Jones family business. This lawsuit remains pending.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Jackson did not receive endorsements from President Donald Trump or term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) during the primary, while Jones did. Both Trump and Kemp later endorsed Jackson.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Recent polling indicates a competitive race against Bottoms for the governorship. A <a href="https://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections/election_2026/election_2026_georgia_governor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">recent Rasmussen Reports</a> survey found Jackson leading Bottoms by 3 percentage points.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Additionally, Jackson has an advantage among independent voters, according to the poll. He has received <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/state/4691113/democratic-sheriffs-endorse-republican-rick-jackson-georgia-governor/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cross-party endorsements</a> from two Democratic sheriffs in Georgia.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Jackson and Bottoms are scheduled to <a href="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/campaigns/state/4705998/keisha-lance-bottoms-rick-jackson-october-debate-georgia/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">debate</a> on October 6 in a town hall-style event hosted by Atlanta First News.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <em>Washington Examiner</em> has reached out to both Jackson and Jones for further comment.</p>