Burt Jones campaigns in Gray ahead of Georgia Republican governor runoff

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones outlines priorities in Gray as he campaigns for governor ahead of the Republican runoff election.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones met with supporters Thursday at Old Clinton Barbecue in Gray as part of his campaign for governor.

Jones is facing Rick Jackson in a Republican primary runoff after neither candidate received enough votes to secure the nomination during last month’s primary election.

During his stop, Jones outlined several priorities he says he would focus on if elected, including tax policy, workforce development and healthcare access.

“We want to continue lower state income tax,” Jones said. “We want to continue to work on lowering property taxes for homeowners. We got to work on insurance costs, workforce development, as well as trying to get better access to healthcare as well.

Jones also addressed local concerns, including development and the role of data centers in communities.

“The counties ultimately get to determine what kind of facilities they want in their communities, but I always tell them, ‘Look, don’t give away the farm, so to speak, because there’s no need for you to give away a lot of property taxes to organizations that don’t need the tax break.'”

He was also asked about the recent Republican primary runoff debate for governor, which Jackson did not attend.

“It just goes to show you what kind of character he has,” Jones said. “Everywhere he goes is a controlled setting, and obviously he doesn’t want to get on the stage with me because he doesn’t think very well on his feet.”

Jones visited Warner Robins for another campaign stop after leaving Gray.

Early voting for the runoff begins Monday, June 8, with Election Day set for Tuesday, June 16. The winner of the runoff will face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in November.