Rick Jackson’s Chances Boosted Against Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia Race

Recent polls have revealed a shift in public opinion that could benefit Republican candidate Rick Jackson in Georgia's gubernatorial race against Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms. While Democrats have gained momentum with Senator Jon Ossoff leading in early polls for the 2028 presidential race, the governor's race appears to be more competitive.

In the Big Data Poll, which surveyed 712 registered voters between September 21 and 23, Jackson leads with 47.6 percent compared to Bottoms' 45.7 percent. However, when considering only likely voters, the lead narrows to just one point, with Jackson receiving 50.5 percent and Bottoms securing 49.5 percent. Another YouGov survey conducted between September 15 and 18 showed a slightly larger gap, with Jackson at 48.7 percent and Bottoms at 46.7 percent.

The shift in support could be significant, as Republicans are looking to retain the governorship, which they have held for the past two decades. The polls also suggest that Ossoff's popularity extends beyond his Democratic base, with 14.3 percent of Trump voters in the Big Data Poll supporting the Democratic senator, while only 2.9 percent of Harris voters backed Collins.

If Jackson emerges victorious, he would become the first Republican governor elected in Georgia since 1999, as the state has increasingly become a battleground for national politics.