Jackson, Bottoms Close Campaigns in Tied Governor Race

Georgia candidates spent their final day of campaigning on Monday preparing for Tuesday's general election.

Republican Rick Jackson and Democratic challenger Keisha Lance Bottoms traveled the state in a bid to sway undecided voters. Jackson joined incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp for a get-out-the-vote tour with stops in metro Atlanta, Savannah, and Albany. Bottoms addressed supporters in Augusta, Athens, Dalton, and northwest Atlanta.

The race for the governor's office has narrowed to a statistical tie. The latest InsiderAdvantage poll indicates Jackson and Bottoms are both at 49%, leaving 2% of voters undecided. Bottoms framed the election as a choice between competing visions for the state. She told a crowd in northwest Atlanta that she represents a path to being the best in business, healthcare, and education. She also questioned Jackson's loyalty to his party's base. “If you want a guy who wants to be Trump’s favorite governor, Trump with a Southern tone, then ‘Slick Rick’ is your guy,” Bottoms said.

Jackson focused his attacks on Bottoms' tenure as mayor of Atlanta. He accused her of leaving the city during a difficult time. “When the city needed her the most, she just walked away. She abandoned Atlanta,” Jackson said. He contrasted his own commitment to the state with her past actions, stating he would never abandon Georgian voters.

Attention also shifted to the U.S. Senate race, where Democratic incumbent Jon Ossoff faces Republican Rep. Mike Collins. The debate has centered on the economy, energy costs, and foreign policy. Ossoff campaigned in DeKalb County, urging residents to vote. He cited high prices and a war that he described as reckless. “We’re seeing record turnout and I’m encouraging every Georgian to be a part of it,” Ossoff said.

Collins held a campaign stop in Buckhead before moving to south-central Georgia. He criticized Ossoff's stance on the Green New Deal and rising gasoline prices. Collins argued that the country has not built new refineries in over 50 years. “Until we get back to energy independence in this country, period,” Collins said, “we’re moving in the right direction.”

The InsiderAdvantage poll of 2,500 likely voters shows Ossoff leading Collins 53% to 46%, with 1% undecided. Georgia has already exceeded early voting totals from the 2018 and 2022 midterm elections. Polls open at 7 a.m. Tuesday.