Georgia GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson removes Trump reference from website

Rick Jackson, who secured the Republican nomination for Georgia governor, recently erased a statement on his campaign website that said he would work with Donald Trump. Earlier versions of the site, dating from June, proclaimed a collaboration with the president to shield Georgians from federal shortcomings. Jackson’s campaign had long emphasized his connection to Trump, featuring a Super Bowl commercial and remarks that he shared the president’s ethos and would be his “favorite governor.”

Trump’s endorsement was only granted in July after Jackson defeated Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones in the primary runoff. This website change mirrors a growing trend among GOP candidates to downplay ties to Trump as the midterm elections approach. Byron Donalds, a Florida representative and gubernatorial hopeful, made a similar edit to his site. Analysts view the shift as an indication that Trump has become a political liability for many Republicans.