Published on: June 8, 2026, 11:05h.
Updated on: June 8, 2026, 11:05h.
- Burt Jones files a $100 million lawsuit for alleged campaign defamation
- The lawsuit claims ads misrepresented his family business as an unlawful casino
- Republican gubernatorial candidates are set for a June 16 runoff in Georgia
Burt Jones, the Lieutenant Governor of Georgia, has initiated a $100 million lawsuit against healthcare tycoon Rick Jackson, his rival in the Republican gubernatorial runoff. The lawsuit alleges that Jackson’s campaign materials inaccurately depicted his family’s business as managing an illegal casino.
According to the lawsuit filed in Fulton County Superior Court, which was reviewed by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jones’ company, Jones Petroleum, claims Jackson’s campaign engaged in defamation by unjustly associating the business with criminal activities and suggesting it profited from corruption.
Jones Petroleum is the entire shareholder of Convenience Stores Inc., which is duly licensed to operate coin-operated amusement machines (COAMs) across Georgia.
‘Burt’s Bribe Machine’
Among the disputed campaign materials is an image featuring what Jones’ company describes as a fabricated gas station sign, prominently displaying the Jones Petroleum logo alongside the words “Lucky Stop Casino.” This image falsely implies the operation of an illegal gaming establishment, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit asserts that the Jackson campaign has wrongfully labeled Jones as a “corrupt career politician” who voted to legitimize the COAM sector for personal gain. However, it’s noted that Jones was only 13 years old in 1992 when that vote was cast and not yet a member of the state legislature.
Additionally, a website named “bribeburt.com” features “Burt’s Bribe Machine,” an interactive animation that unveils a new corruption allegation with each spin. This website, funded by Jackson for Governor Inc., was operational at the time of this report.
Jones Petroleum argues that the alleged harm continues as the campaign materials are still publicly accessible. The complaint states that the damages exceed $100 million and that ongoing negative publicity could jeopardize business partnerships and franchise agreements if clients or associates believe the company is involved in illicit activities.
Alongside monetary restitution, Jones Petroleum requests the court to mandate the removal of the contentious campaign materials and to issue a public retraction.
Counterclaims of Defamation?
Earlier in March, Jackson filed a counter defamation lawsuit against Jones and his campaign, claiming that Jones had falsely stated Jackson constructed his wealth through ties to Planned Parenthood and by aiding medical professionals in performing transgender procedures on minors. Jackson asserts these allegations are both false and defamatory.
With a Republican runoff scheduled for June 16, the two candidates will compete after failing to secure the necessary majority to win the nomination outright during the May primary.
The victor will proceed to the November general election to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Brian Kemp, facing off against Democratic candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms.