Rick Jackson, the Republican front-runner in Georgia's gubernatorial primary, was pressed at the campaign's only pre-primary debate about whether undocumented immigrants perform landscaping work at his mansion. When asked directly by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Jackson replied, "I don't know," saying hiring is often handled by contractors and other staff.
Debate Exchange
During a segment that allowed candidates to single out an opponent, Jones challenged Jackson on what he called a pattern of contradictions: Jackson's hard-line immigration rhetoric, donations to political rivals of former President Donald Trump, and reported business practices tied to reproductive-health staffing. Jones asked Jackson, "You claim to be tough on illegal deportation, but you've got illegals working in your backyard as we speak right now. Who's the real Rick Jackson?"
"I don't know," Jackson said when pressed about whether undocumented workers were currently employed on his property. He added that his businesses "hire thousands of people a year" and that day-to-day hiring is managed by supervisors or outside contractors.
Reporting and Legal Filings
The New York Post reported on workers' compensation filings in a suit involving Jackson Investment Group, LLC and its affiliate JIG Real Estate, LLC. According to that report, the filings suggested the companies maintained long-term landscaping and property-maintenance crews that included individuals who lacked work authorization. The Post also quoted portions of a deposition in which Jackson said he was unaware some hires lacked authorization and acknowledged that mandatory I-9 verification forms were not always used for new hires.
Burt Jones, then-Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, speaks as Republican Gov. Brian Kemp listens at a press conference on Nov. 7, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Jackson's statements in the deposition—if accurately reported—mirror his debate comments that he was not directly involved in day-to-day hiring and typically worked through supervisors or affiliated entities. Critics say those claims raise questions about oversight; Jackson's campaign responded that he would never knowingly hire undocumented workers.
Campaign Positions and Reactions
On the campaign trail, Jackson has emphasized that he would prioritize removing criminal undocumented immigrants from Georgia. In campaign advertising cited on the debate stage, he has used blunt language about cultural influence and immigration enforcement. After the debate, a Jackson campaign spokesperson told Fox News Digital the attacks were political smears and reiterated that Jackson "would never knowingly hire someone in the country illegally."
The Republican primary — featuring Jackson, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, Attorney General Chris Carr, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and others — is scheduled for May 19.
What to Watch
Observers will likely watch whether the New York Post's reporting prompts additional inquiries, whether other media confirm details from the deposition and filings, and how these exchanges affect voters' perceptions of Jackson's credibility on immigration and management of his businesses.
