Atlanta, GA, August 18, 2026 —

In an unusual display of bipartisan endorsement, two Democratic sheriffs in Georgia have announced their support for Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson. Sheriff Ashley Paulk of Lowndes County and Sheriff Craig Peavy of Dooly County have publicly backed Jackson in his bid for governor, choosing him over the Democratic nominee, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.

The sheriffs cited concerns over public safety and what they described as a need for stronger support for law enforcement as the primary drivers behind their decision to cross party lines. This endorsement marks a significant moment in the state’s gubernatorial race, highlighting potential shifts in political allegiances among law enforcement officials.

Sheriff Paulk and Sheriff Peavy have not provided further details on specific policy disagreements or agreements beyond their stated concerns for public safety and law enforcement support. The specific platforms or legislative proposals of either candidate that influenced this decision were not elaborated upon by the sheriffs.

The endorsement by officials from within the Democratic party for a Republican candidate underscores the complex political landscape in Georgia. Both Jackson and Bottoms are campaigning on platforms that address public safety, though their approaches and priorities differ.

The campaign for governor is expected to intensify as both parties vie for voter support across the state. The impact of these endorsements on the broader electorate remains to be seen as the election cycle progresses.



Story summarized from the original created by Rick Folbaum, Tim Darnell on www.atlantanewsfirst.com, see more information here.

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