Rick Jackson, a billionaire known for his successful ventures in the healthcare industry, is making waves in the Georgia gubernatorial race. Despite his positioning as a political outsider, records reveal a deep connection with Washington lobbyists over recent years.
Business Credentials and Political Aspirations
Jackson, the founding force behind Jackson Healthcare, a prominent healthcare staffing firm based in Alpharetta, GA, declared his candidacy for governor earlier this year. Following his announcement in February, Jackson clinched the Republican nomination by June, emphasizing his business acumen as a cornerstone of his campaign. “I never asked any legislator for one dime or one benefit for our company,” Jackson stated during an interview on the Shelley Wynter Show, a sentiment he echoed at the Republican Jewish Commission.
Lobbying Activities Uncovered
However, filings from the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission paint a contrasting picture. From 2015 to 2026, Jackson Healthcare enlisted the services of at least seven lobbyists to influence local and state government decisions. Notably, Blake Fulenwider, a former deputy commissioner at the Georgia Department of Community Health, was among those lobbying for Jackson Healthcare in 2022. During this period, the company’s subsidiary, Healthcare Workforce Logistics, renewed its contract with the DCH through a no-bid process initially secured in 2020.
Furthermore, Jackson Healthcare’s lobbying efforts extended to the federal level, spending nearly $2 million on federal lobbyists from 2014 to 2026. These lobbyists engaged with key governmental bodies, including the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, and the White House, to further the company’s interests.
Subsidiary Lobbying Efforts
USAntibotics, a Jackson Healthcare subsidiary, embarked on significant lobbying in 2025. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, the company faced financial difficulties, leaving it with the options of bankruptcy or acquiring a government contract. USAntibotics invested $360,000 in lobbying efforts directed at the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services. In June 2026, the HHS awarded USAntibotics a $30 million contract for the production of amoxicillin trihydrate.
Additionally, Avant Health Professionals, another Jackson Healthcare subsidiary, allocated $360,000 between 2020 and 2022 to lobby Congress on various issues, including COVID-19 relief funding legislation that could potentially grant them access to public funds.
Continuing Controversies
Jackson’s business practices have previously faced scrutiny. According to a report by The Daily Beast, Jackson Healthcare resolved allegations regarding unpaid wages and the exploitation of foreign-born nurses by spending millions in settlements. More details can be found here.
Gubernatorial Race Dynamics
In the upcoming governor’s race, Jackson faces Democratic adversary and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. Recent polling by InsiderAdvantage in August indicates a neck-and-neck contest between the two candidates.
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