BY MEGHANA NAIK
Atlanta, GA, June 16, 2026 — Republican gubernatorial candidate Burt Jones used a June 1st 2026, Atlanta Press Club debate to present his policy platform and sharply criticize his opponent, Rick Jackson, who declined to attend. With the stage to himself, Jones framed the empty podium as evidence of Jackson’s lack of transparency, saying that showing up for public questioning “shows a man’s character” and is essential for voters evaluating their choices.A Solo Debate Becomes a Policy Showcase: Jones opened the debate by emphasizing his commitment to economic growth, public safety, and what he described as conservative leadership aligned with President Donald Trump. Without an opponent to counter his statements, he moved through a wide range of policy areas, from tax reform and healthcare to voting systems and artificial intelligence.
One of Jones’s most prominent proposals was his plan to eliminate Georgia’s state income tax, which he argued would make the state more competitive and reduce the financial burden on residents. He also highlighted his support for continued property tax relief, building on measures enacted during his tenure as lieutenant governor.
Jones reiterated his opposition to what he called “corporate welfare,” pledging to review and potentially eliminate “hundreds” of tax credits and exemptions that he said do not provide a strong return on investment. He singled out data center tax incentives, arguing that they have not delivered sufficient economic benefits and should not be subsidized by the state or local governments. At the same time, he acknowledged that the film tax credit has historically generated positive returns but said it should still be evaluated to ensure it remains effective.
Voting System Overhaul: Ending QR Codes
A major focus of Jones’s platform was his plan to overhaul Georgia’s voting system by removing QR codes from ballots. He said a law passed two years ago required the state to eliminate QR‑code‑based tabulation, but he accused the Secretary of State of failing to implement it. To address this, Jones said he would call a special legislative session to “fix the QR code situation” before the next election. Jones proposed replacing QR‑code tabulation with scanners that read human‑visible text on ballots, comparing the system to a “scantron machine.” He argued that counting votes through QR codes is a “portion that people don’t trust,” and that shifting to text‑based scanning would help restore public confidence in election results.
Healthcare
Deregulation and Workforce Expansion. On healthcare, Jones focused on expanding access by reducing regulatory barriers. He strongly criticized Georgia’s Certificate of Need (CON) system, calling it a “bureaucratic” and “ridiculous” process that prevents communities from opening new hospitals and surgical centers. He pointed to recent facility expansions in Lee County and Athens as examples of what can happen when regulations are loosened.
Jones also voiced support for Governor Brian Kemp’s Pathways program, which expands healthcare access with a work requirement. He argued that the state should promote the program more aggressively to increase enrollment. To address physician shortages, he highlighted the creation of a University of Georgia medical school, which he said would help train “homegrown” doctors.
Abortion and Family Support
Jones reaffirmed his support for the 2019 Georgia Life Act, often referred to as the “Heartbeat Bill,” which restricts most abortions after fetal cardiac activity is detected. He noted that the law includes exceptions for rape, incest, and the health of the mother and said he is “proud of the work that was done in 2019.”
He also emphasized that being “pro‑life” requires supporting families after birth. As lieutenant governor, he said he helped establish a committee focused on emergency pregnancy centers, adoption reform, and improvements to the foster care system.
AI Regulation Focused on Youth Safety
Jones briefly addressed artificial intelligence, saying he has supported “guard rails” aimed at protecting young people from harmful online content. He said the state has cracked down on certain AI‑driven apps he considers dangerous, though he did not provide specific legislative details. He described AI as a “revolution” who’s long‑term impact on jobs remains uncertain.
Sharp Criticisms of Rick Jackson
Throughout the debate, Jones repeatedly criticized Jackson for skipping the event. He also raised several allegations and concerns about Jackson’s background, including:
- A $750,000 settlement related to Medicare fraud.
- Past political donations to Stacey Abrams, Liz Cheney, and Jeff Duncan
- Alleged employment of undocumented workers
- Ownership stakes in data centers, which Jones said create conflicts of interest.
- Avoiding questions on redistricting and other policy issues
Jones accused Jackson of running a “Hollywood‑style” campaign with tightly controlled events and selective media access.
Education and Workforce Development
Jones devoted significant attention to education reform, particularly for students who do not plan to pursue four‑year degrees. He advocated expanding College Career Academies and introducing skill‑based training as early as eighth grade. He said schools should work directly with local employers to identify workforce needs and prepare students for high‑demand technical jobs. Beyond technical skills, Jones emphasized the importance of work ethic, saying it is essential for students entering the workforce or trade programs.
Jones closed the debate by portraying himself as the only “true conservative” in the race, citing his long‑standing support for Republican causes and his willingness to answer tough questions. He highlighted his business background and said he is committed to continuing Georgia’s economic momentum while improving public safety and government accountability.
