State Rep. Derrick Jackson, democrat running for Governor promises $20 minimum wage and medicaid expansion

State Rep. Derrick Jackson, a 22-year U.S. Navy veteran and business executive, says his campaign will focus on raising wages, expanding healthcare access, and what he describes as repealing “harmful laws” that have negatively impacted working families.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Democratic State Representative Derrick Jackson has officially entered the race for Georgia governor, joining a growing field of Democrats seeking to replace term-limited Republican Gov. Brian Kemp.

Among his most ambitious proposals is raising Georgia’s minimum wage to $20 per hour. He also wants to eliminate state income taxes for nurses, public school teachers, military veterans, and seniors over 65.

Jackson says Medicaid expansion is central to his healthcare platform, arguing it would strengthen rural hospitals and expand access to care in underserved communities. He has also pledged to push for stricter gun laws and to repeal Georgia’s abortion law, which took effect in 2022 and bans most abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy.

The Democratic primary field includes former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, State Sen. Jason Esteves, and Atlanta pastor Olu Brown. The eventual nominee will face the Republican candidate in a state that has remained competitive in recent statewide elections.

Jackson previously ran for lieutenant governor in 2022 and later sought the House Minority Leader position. Despite those losses, he says his experience campaigning statewide and serving in the legislature has prepared him for a gubernatorial run.

The primary election and possible runoff will determine which democrat advances to the general election in the race for Georgia’s top office.