104 Georgia sheriffs endorse Rick Jackson for Georgia governor

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Rick Jackson (Source: Rick Jackson for Governor campaign announcement)

ATLANTA - More than 100 Georgia sheriffs are backing Rick Jackson in his campaign for governor, according to an endorsement announcement released Thursday.

Jackson, a self-made billionaire who defeated Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in a contentious Republican runoff, will face Democratic nominee and former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in November's general election.

What we know:

Jackson's campaign said 104 sheriffs from across the state have endorsed his candidacy, giving him a sizable bloc of support from local law enforcement leaders.

"I’m deeply honored to earn the support of more than 100 sheriffs across Georgia, and I will never take their trust for granted," Jackson said in a statement.

Jackson said his administration would focus on giving sheriffs additional resources, personnel and support while emphasizing public safety and tougher enforcement against violent crime.

Sheriffs cite law enforcement support

What they're saying:

Among those endorsing Jackson is Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman, the immediate past president of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association.

"I trust Rick Jackson because he understands what it takes to protect our communities," Freeman said. "I trust Rick to make the tough decisions and make sure law enforcement has the support and resources we need to do our jobs."

Bulloch County Sheriff Noel Brown also endorsed Jackson, saying the candidate understands the challenges facing local law enforcement.

"I know firsthand the challenges law enforcement faces in keeping our communities safe," Brown said. "Rick Jackson understands those challenges and will be a governor who listens to sheriffs, stands with law enforcement, and makes sure we have the resources we need to do our jobs."

Thomas County Sheriff Tim Watkins, who described himself as a 33-year law enforcement veteran and the first Republican Black sheriff in Thomas County history, also endorsed Jackson.

"Our men and women in law enforcement deserve a governor who listens to us, empowers us, and stands by us, and that is exactly what Rick will do," Watkins said.

Endorsements span much of Georgia

The campaign's endorsement list includes sheriffs from counties across north, middle and south Georgia.

Among them are sheriffs from Cherokee, Coweta, Dawson, Fayette, Forsyth, Gilmer, Gordon, Jackson, Lumpkin, Paulding, Pickens, Rabun, Walton and Whitfield counties.

Earlier this week, Jackson picked up endorsements from Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk and Dooly County Sheriff Craig Peavy, both Democrats who broke with their party to support the Republican nominee over Bottoms.