Rick Jackson Removes Trump References from Campaign Website Amid Georgia Gubernatorial Race

<figure><img alt="Donald Trump, Rick Johnson photo illustration" src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/IMARJPFF6VELTHVPQWHKRU3VQQ.png?auth=7c7c244cff57ad60d0550089bf781539cc6793bf16432ba52cc33fc225b2bf88&amp;smart=true&amp;width=4800&amp;height=2700" /><figcaption>Photo Illustration by Eric Faison/The Daily Beast/Getty</figcaption></figure><p>Rick Jackson, a Republican candidate for governor in Georgia, has removed references to former President Donald Trump from his campaign website as the gubernatorial race intensifies. Previously, Jackson's website stated he would "work with President Trump to protect his state from the consequences of Washington’s failures." This reference has now been replaced with a promise to “protect Georgians from the consequences of Washington’s failures.”</p><p>Jackson, who describes himself as “Action” Jackson, has positioned himself as a candidate similar to Trump but with a different regional appeal. He previously stated, “I’m going to be this man’s favorite governor,” during an event with Trump in July.</p><p>As Trump's approval ratings have declined, Jackson is not the only Republican distancing himself from the former president. Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds removed multiple Trump endorsements and a section titled “Enact the Trump Agenda” from his website, citing a focus on local issues. Kentucky Senate candidate Andy Barr also removed a prominent photo of Trump from his campaign materials.</p><p>Jackson's removal of Trump's name occurred between August 25 and September 1, according to web archives. Other changes to his website include modifications to his affordability promise and the removal of a commitment to enact term limits for all politicians.</p><p>Polls indicate a competitive race in Georgia, with Jackson either leading or closely trailing former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. The Democratic Party of Georgia spokesperson Jake Strickland criticized Jackson's actions, stating, “Slick Rick can scrub Trump from his website, but he can’t have Georgians forget how closely he’s aligned himself with Trump.”</p><p>Jackson is scheduled to participate in a debate with Bottoms on Tuesday night. His campaign has faced scrutiny over various issues, including abortion and pandemic-related loans. Additionally, reports have surfaced regarding legal battles involving Jackson's companies and allegations of labor law violations.</p>