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Kemp backs Lt.Jones over Jackson ahead of Tuesday’s Republican primary.Kemp backs Lt.Jones over Jackson ahead of Tuesday’s Republican primary ATLANTA, Ga.(WTOC) - Georgia Governor Brian Kemp endorsed Lt.Burt Jones on Sunday in the Republican runoff for governor and shared his reasoning on Monday morning, just a day before election day.Kemp said he is not against the republican opponent, healthcare CEO Rick Jackson, but supports Jones after working alongside him for the past eight years.“This is exactly what’s going to put us over the top,” Jones said.“Obviously, tomorrow is election day, and we need people to get out and vote.” Kemp credited Jones’ work on educational opportunities, increasing teacher pay, reforming healthcare and creating jobs.“Learned a lot of good lessons from Governor Kemp,” Jones said.“One good lesson is that he keeps a calm and steady hand on the toughest of situations.” Jones said his experience makes him the clear choice.“If the people of Georgia want a proven, conservative, business-minded person who knows what the job entails on day one, I’m thinking I’m the only choice when it comes to tomorrow,” Jones said.The winner between Jones and Jackson will face Democratic candidate and current Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in November’s general election for the state’s 84th governor.Kemp contrasted the Republican record with Bottoms’ tenure as mayor.“When you think about what Sonny Perdue did, what Governor Deal did, what my administration, working with the many of legislators here today and the many that have since ended up leaving government, we’ve just done some incredible things,” Kemp said.“Or, you can go the way of the disaster of Keisha Lance Bottoms.” Bottoms’ campaign responded, saying they are ready to defeat whichever candidate emerges from the Republican primary.Bottoms is focusing on bringing down costs, expanding Medicaid, and investing in education.Kemp also cited work on criminal street gangs and creating the crime suppression unit.“Versus the republican leadership that Burt Jones and I have worked on – going after criminal street gangs, creating the crime suppression unit,” Kemp said.“Actually aiding the city of Atlanta to keep it from being burned down during civil unrest.” Jackson is scheduled to respond at 5 p.m.Monday in Savannah.Copyright 2026 WTOC.All rights reserved.