The race: Georgia governor
Party affiliation: Democrat
The lane:
Georgia State Representative Derrick Jackson is a progressive and center-left Democrat that has an economic populist agenda.
The basics:
Jackson served in the United States Navy for 22 years. He is also a former executive with General Electric, a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, and a member Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
Why he’s running:
Jackson seeks to increase Georgia’s minimum wage to $20 an hour, enshrine abortion rights into Georgia law while expanding Medicaid. He also pledges to protect voting rights for all Georgians.
What’s working:
The populist message. Jackson’s agenda echoes a majority of positions largely held by Democratic activists.
The challenge:
Jackson does not have the celebrity and name recognition compared to candidates like Keisha Lance Bottoms or Michael Thurmond. Plus, Jackson does not have the fundraising compared with top-tier contenders.
What to watch:
Jackson’s level of support in South Georgia, and the overall profile of voters he is able to secure. If Jackson is able to capture a broader section of a certain kind of voter than his counterparts, it is likely portions of his message will be co-opted later on by candidates seeking an edge in the runoffs.
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