Trump Foe Raffensperger Loses Georgia Gubernatorial Primary

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a known opponent of President Donald Trump, lost the Republican gubernatorial primary. The election results highlight Trump's continued grip on the Republican Party.

Wed May 20 2026

Georgia Gubernatorial Primary: Raffensperger's Defeat

Brad Raffensperger, Georgia's Secretary of State and a known opponent of President Donald Trump, was eliminated from the Republican gubernatorial primary election. Raffensperger gained prominence for defending Georgia's 2020 election results but failed to garner support from the party's increasingly MAGA base. Billionaire Rick Jackson and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones advanced to a runoff election. This outcome is seen as another sign of Trump's influence within the Republican Party. The contest between Jones, Trump's endorsed candidate, and Jackson, who invested significant funds, is expected to prolong an already acrimonious and expensive primary.

Trump's Influence and Massive Campaign Spending

Trump has repeatedly reaffirmed his support for Jones since Jackson entered the race. Lt. Gov. Jones spent the final few weeks of the campaign reminding voters of the president's backing. The primary saw monstrous spending: Jackson spent nearly $65 million of his own money, according to an AdImpact analysis, while Jones disbursed over $28 million. Their dominance is a stark sign of how much the Republican Party in Georgia has shifted right under Trump's commandeering of the party. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, another traditional Republican who rejected Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election, also failed to make an impact in the race.