Cobb County rally marks final weekend for Jackson and Bottoms in Georgia governor race

Republican nominee Rick Jackson addressed a crowd at Adventure Outdoors in Smyrna on Friday night, launching the final weekend of the Georgia gubernatorial campaign. The event took place immediately after the statewide early voting window closed. Jackson told attendees, "Let's build on Brian Kemp's legacy and win big for Georgia." He used the speech to criticize his Democratic opponent, Keisha Lance Bottoms. "Bad mayors don't make good governors," Jackson said, referencing Bottoms' time as mayor of Atlanta.

U.S. Rep. Jim Jordan spoke at the rally alongside several down-ballot candidates. The lineup included individuals running for lieutenant governor and insurance commissioner. Jackson, a billionaire healthcare executive, has spent $220 million on his campaign. He stated that 75% of those funds went to television advertisements. When asked about the cost, Jackson said, "It is not my money. It is God's."

Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms held a separate event in Fulton County. She headlined a dinner hosted by the Fulton County Democrats. Former Vice President Kamala Harris joined her on stage. Bottoms told the gathering, "Metro Atlanta has great energy, but you should see the rest of Georgia. It is on fire." Harris added, "The power belongs to the people. And in just four days, you will prove their truth once again."

Recent polls indicate the race is effectively deadlocked despite Jackson's heavy advertising spend. Some Republicans expressed concern about Democratic participation during the early voting period. However, grassroots supporters downplayed the issue. Nancy Hollingshed, a Jackson supporter, said, "I don't see the turnout problem as much as a lot of people keep trying to tell me." She noted that Republican voters often turn out in high numbers on Election Day.

Both campaigns will continue traveling through the weekend to reach undecided voters. Bottoms is focusing her efforts on middle and southern Georgia. She has scheduled stops in Columbus, Bainbridge, and Albany. Jackson plans to hold his final pre-election rally in Cumming on Sunday evening.

Voting locations will open statewide on Tuesday morning. Campaign officials have not announced if additional national figures will join either candidate during their remaining stops. The final outcome will depend on voter turnout in these final days.