Georgia Governor Candidates Bottoms and Jackson Clash Over Data Centers and Medicaid

At a Georgia Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Athens, Democratic candidate and former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Republican candidate Rick Jackson presented opposing policy proposals to an audience of more than 1,000 business leaders. Bottoms called for a temporary pause on new data‑center construction to gather factual information on environmental and utility impacts, while rejecting a permanent ban. She also advocated expanding Medicaid to address rural hospital closures, promoting affordable‑housing developer agreements, and creating a state agency to give small businesses a fair chance at state contracts.

Jackson, endorsed by Governor Brian Kemp, pledged to cut taxes, continue recruiting companies to Georgia, and increase venture‑capital and private‑equity investment for state firms. He emphasized supporting small businesses, farmers, and rural economic development, promising to build on Kemp’s business‑friendly legacy. Both candidates avoided direct confrontation, outlining their platforms from the stage and in separate interviews.