The Trump family has been through a lot. Cracks are starting to show.
Now a Trump family division is raising eyebrows in the Republican Party.
Trump and Trump Jr. Diverge in Georgia Primary
Businessman Rick Jackson secured the Republican nomination for Georgia governor, defeating Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — who had the backing of both President Donald Trump and outgoing Gov. Brian Kemp.
The upset victory came in one of the priciest and most scrutinized primaries of the 2026 cycle. Jackson, a healthcare executive, will now face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former Atlanta mayor, in what promises to be a high-stakes general election showdown.
Self-Funding Outsider Overcomes Establishment Support
Jackson poured more than $100 million of his own money into the race, using a heavy advertising campaign to boost his profile across the state.
The self-made billionaire emphasized themes like immigration enforcement, tax reductions, healthcare manufacturing, and his personal journey from Georgia’s foster care system to entrepreneurial success.
His win marks a notable setback for Trump’s endorsement machine, as the president had supported Jones for nearly a year and reaffirmed that backing repeatedly.
Kemp, despite past tensions with Trump, added his own endorsement just days before the vote.
Family Split Highlights Shifting Influences
The contest exposed an interesting rift inside the broader Trump world. While President Trump firmly supported Jones, Donald Trump Jr. offered public praise for Jackson on the eve of the election, spotlighting his work on domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and energy infrastructure.
Trump Jr. stopped short of a full endorsement but called Jackson a positive force for America First goals:
“Regardless of what happens in the Georgia Governor’s race tomorrow, we should celebrate the patriots building up MAGA and an America First economy like Rick Jackson has.”
Jackson’s triumph demonstrates how substantial personal wealth and outsider appeal can sometimes prevail over heavyweight political endorsements in a Republican primary. Georgia remains a critical battleground state, and the upcoming Jackson-Bottoms matchup is set to draw national attention this November.
