As a child he was recognized as “poor White trash” from Atlanta’s Techwood projects to a billionaire managing Georgia’s medical landscape

Medical billionaire announces his bid as a take charge Trump influenced Republican contender for Governor

He calls it his “shoeshine boy to boardroom” story. In his own campaign launch video, Rick Jackson describes growing up poor and spending part of his childhood in Atlanta’s Techwood Homes projects.

As a teenager, Jackson says he scraped by shining shoes, bagging groceries, and delivering newspapers. He even scalped tickets before he could afford much more than a single‑wide trailer.

Today, that same kid is the billionaire founder of Jackson Healthcare. He’s a first‑time Republican candidate for governor and a vocal Donald Trump supporter. Jackson says Trump’s take‑charge style showed how a business leader could shake up a broken system—and he believes he can do the same for Georgia.

But as the 71‑year‑old outsider barrels into an already crowded 2026 GOP primary, questions remain. With a hard‑edged persona and tens of millions in self‑funding, can he persuade voters? After years of political turmoil, is Georgia ready to hand its future to an aging billionaire with a take‑charge attitude?

A Hard Childhood and Foster Care

Jackson has spoken openly about a chaotic, often painful childhood. He says he never knew his father. His mother struggled with alcoholism.

As a teenager, Jackson ran away from home and entered Georgia’s foster care system. Over the years he moved through five foster homes and 13 schools. Part of that time was spent in Techwood Homes—once a symbol of concentrated poverty in downtown Atlanta.

Those difficult experiences shaped his worldview. Jackson says he was called “white trash” and “a worthless little bastard”—language echoed in his campaign ad. Yet instead of surrendering to despair, Jackson leaned on his Christian faith. He embraced work as a way out. Later, he focused his philanthropy on foster youth.

Betting on Himself in Business

Unable to keep paying for college, Jackson left school. He talked his way into a straight-commission job at a small Atlanta recruiting firm. This gamble became his first big bet on himself.

Within a few years, Jackson bought that firm. He then built and sold other staffing businesses, including Jackson & Coker. Eventually, he founded Jackson Healthcare in 2000.

Today, Jackson Healthcare is based in Alpharetta. The company oversees a family of staffing and technology firms. These businesses place physicians, nurses, and other professionals in hospitals and clinics nationwide. Jackson and his campaign claim the privately held group generates more than $3 billion in annual revenue. The companies help provide care to over 20 million patients a year.

Philanthropy and Foster Care Advocacy

Jackson’s difficult upbringing has driven a significant part of his public work. He co-founded FaithBridge Foster Care, a Christian foster care nonprofit.

He also helped create the Fostering Success Act and related programs. These initiatives use state tax credits to support nonprofits serving young adults aging out of foster care in Georgia.

Furthermore, Jackson’s companies and family foundation have invested heavily. They support scholarships, housing, and support services for current and former foster youth. As recognition, business groups in Georgia have honored him for his long-running commitment to corporate citizenship and philanthropy.

A Trump‑Aligned Outsider Candidacy

On February 2–3, 2026, Jackson formally entered the governor’s race. He cast himself as a conservative outsider in a Republican primary. The race already included Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Attorney General Chris Carr, and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.

Jackson has pledged at least $50 million of his own money to the campaign. He launched an early wave of television ads. He also leaned into his image as a blunt, business-first executive. “Do-nothing politicians” have failed Georgia, he argues.

As a Donald Trump donor and supporter, Jackson has aligned himself with the former president’s style and agenda. His platform includes cutting or eliminating state income taxes over time, freezing property taxes, and cracking down on illegal immigration. Additionally, he opposes “woke ideology” and wants to expand support for foster children.

The fundamental question remains uncertain. Will that mix of personal hardship, corporate success, Trump-style populism, and massive self-funding persuade Georgia Republicans? What about general-election voters? Whether Jackson is the right person to lead the state will define the 2026 governor’s race.