Georgia Rep. Derrick Jackson announced his candidacy for the 2026 Georgia governor’s race earlier this year, making a total of 13 Democratic Governor candidates. Jackson has 42 years of leadership experience, more than any other gubernatorial candidate. Jackson has two main campaign focuses: raising the minimum wage and repealing Georgia’s six-week abortion ban.
“[I have] 42 years of experience of leadership,” Jackson said at the Warner Robins candidate forum. “I did 22 years in the United States Navy, seven deployments, four combat missions, two special operations and one humanitarian. There is not one other governor candidate with 42 years of experience.”
Jackson explained the reasons he is running for office now, saying that amid big changes under the Trump administration, conflict is arising.
“I’m fighting for you right now because we’re at war, and I’m not talking about the wars that I’m accustomed [to] with bombs and missiles,” Jackson said. “We’re at a different kind of war because Project 2025 was very clear what they were gonna do, but we didn’t pay attention. Eighty nine million people did not vote that were registered voters. Seventy five million of us voted for [Kamala Harris]. In fact, I was one of her surrogates for Georgia. Seventy seven million voted for a convicted felon. People are not voting in their interests.”
One main focus for Jackson is affordability of basic goods. He plans to focus on housing, groceries, gas and child care, making everyday life more affordable for Georgians.
According to Jackson’s campaign website, he will foster equitable growth across rural and urban communities and allow for financial breathing room.
Jackson also plans to invest in small businesses, nonprofits and Black farmers, whom he describes as the soul of Georgia’s communities. Midtown parent and small business owner Charlene Wilhelmsen said these investments could help foster a more connected community.
“Small business wonders are the pulse of every community,” Wilhelmsen said. “We hire locally, we create culture and we keep dollars circulating in the state. Investing in small businesses is investing in the fabric that defines Georgia. That kind of support shifts the culture from survival to success and from success to greatness.”
Wilhelmsen highlights the impact of Jackson’s focus on small-business investment, saying it makes him a more well-rounded candidate.
“This promise seems to describe Derrick Jackson as someone who sees small business owners, non profits and Black Farmers as partners in Georgia’s progress, not as after thoughts,” Wilhelmsen said.
In addition to supporting small businesses, Jackson plans to address gun violence. Asher Lieb, a junior and member of the March for Our Lives Club, emphasized the need for gun violence reform.
“Gun violence is an epidemic in the United States today, and we are not doing nearly enough to curb it,” Lieb said. “We need our congresspeople to do more to combat gun violence in this country.”
Lieb said a governor could help by pushing for and enacting stronger gun safety measures.
“I’d hope a gubernatorial candidate pushes for a waiting period, safety course and repeals license-free conceal carry,” Lieb said. “These are fairly simple ways that can help to promote gun safety. As an individual, raising awareness through protests and petitions can be very beneficial in promoting change, especially with gun reform.”
Environmental justice is another important issue for Jackson, who said he wants to address air and water pollution.
According to Jackson’s campaign website, “Every Georgian deserves to breathe clean air, drink safe water and enjoy our state’s natural beauty without fear of pollution. My administration will hold polluters accountable, protect vulnerable communities and invest in renewable energy and sustainable practices.”
Due to an increase in ICE raids and deportations, Jackson said many are afraid to leave their homes – a problem he wants to alleviate.
“No one should have the fear of leaving their homes every day,” Jackson said. “As I crisscross Georgia, they’re afraid of being detained. Some Georgians already are under the belief that we have lost our democracy. They are afraid of leaving their homes. When I showed up in my district, I was not silent. I went to the press. If I ever catch ICE in District 68, they are in trouble.”
Jackson emphasized the importance of speaking out and not remaining silent in times of discord. Now is the most important time to stand up for what is right and right against discrimination, he said.
“Everything is about discrimination,” Jackson said. “We should not be living in a country where we do not have rights. If you ever wondered what it was like to fight for civil rights in the 50s, you now have your opportunity.”
Jackson said protecting democracy is essential during times of uncertainty. He emphasized changing the nation, state by state, and making Georgia a better place, despite what may be occurring outside of state lines.
“I can’t talk about AI; I can’t talk about Medicaid expansion; I can’t talk about anything else if we do not have a democracy, if we do not have humanity,” Jackson said. “We should be able to love each other. White, Black, urban, suburban, old young. The mission right now is to make sure that all Georgians are insulated from what is happening in Washington, D.C.”
