Georgia State Representative Derrick Jackson Announces Gubernatorial Bid

News Summary

Georgia State Representative Derrick Jackson has announced his candidacy for governor in the upcoming Democratic primary for the 2026 election. Representing the metro Atlanta area, Jackson aims to address healthcare access, economic opportunities, and gun regulations. His military service and business experience shape his vision for a more equitable Georgia, as he prepares to compete against notable candidates, including former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Jackson seeks to engage voters with a focus on improving family needs and rural economic resources.

ATLANTA – Georgia State Representative Derrick Jackson has officially announced his candidacy for governor in the 2026 election, marking his entry into a competitive Democratic race. Jackson, a Democrat who represents the metro Atlanta area, plans to launch his campaign on Friday, joining other prominent candidates including former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, state Senator Jason Esteves, and pastor Olu Brown in vying for the Democratic nomination.

Jackson’s gubernatorial bid follows the withdrawal of notable Democratic figures such as Lucy McBath and Jason Carter, creating a landscape ripe for new leadership. He brings to the race a robust background, boasting 22 years of military service in the U.S. Navy and a decade of experience in marketing with General Electric.

The representative has been a member of the Georgia State House since 2016 and was recently reelected in 2023. In his announcement, he emphasized his plans to enhance healthcare access and create economic opportunities, specifically targeting rural areas of Georgia. Jackson has expressed the importance of addressing healthcare disparities and has pledged to advocate for stricter gun regulations, as well as working towards repealing the 2022 law that limits abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.

Jackson’s campaign is set to focus on family needs, healthcare access, and bolstering economic resources in rural regions. He positions himself as a candidate with a consistent engagement with voters, contrasting his approach with the current Democratic candidates and the political landscape’s evolution.

His previous political run for lieutenant governor in 2022 did not achieve the desired results, as he finished sixth in the Democratic primary. However, he returned to the Georgia House in 2023, filling a seat left vacant by the late Tish Naghise. Jackson has also made attempts to secure the House minority leader position, though they have not resulted in success thus far.

Drawing inspiration from civil rights leader John Lewis, Jackson cites a moral obligation to run for governor. He aims to tackle perceptions of inequitable state and federal policies and strives to fulfill his vision of making Georgia “the number one place to work, play, and raise a family.”

With his military background and business acumen, Jackson believes he is well-equipped to lead the state of Georgia towards a more equitable future, advocating for comprehensive healthcare solutions and economic initiatives designed for families across Georgia.

As Jackson prepares for his official campaign launch, the upcoming gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a significant political event, with key issues such as healthcare, gun regulation, and economic development at the forefront of discussions among candidates. Jackson’s candidacy is expected to bring renewed focus to these pressing matters as voters evaluate their options in the lead-up to the November 2026 election.

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• Atlanta News First
• Wikipedia: Derrick Jackson
• AJC
• Google Search: Derrick Jackson Georgia Governor Election
• 11Alive
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Derrick Jackson
• Daily Gazette
• Google News: Derrick Jackson Georgia Governor