Derrick Jackson

Derrick Jackson was born in Syracuse, New York. Jackson served in the U.S. Navy from 1983 to 2005. He earned a bachelor's degree from Virginia Wesleyan College in 1998 and a graduate degree from Troy University in 2003. Jackson's career experience includes working as a senior marketing manager with General Electric and an adjunct professor. He has been affiliated with the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the NAACP, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc.[1][2]

Georgia Governor

Derrick Jackson did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Georgia House of Representatives

Derrick Jackson did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Derrick Jackson did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Derrick Jackson did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2023 Candidate Connection survey.

Video for [the profile publisher]

Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased March 17, 2022

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

State Representative Derrick Jackson is a twenty-two (22) year military officer veteran (U.S. Navy), corporate general manager, adjunct professor, entrepreneur, non-profit board member and a leader in his community. During his seven year tenure with General Electric (GE) as a Senior Marketing Manager, Rep. Jackson managed global strategic partnerships and led efforts to identify and secure global market opportunities. His leadership in the community has garnered him several awards including the 2019 Civil Servant of the Year Rice Award, and the 2019 Georgia House Democratic Caucus Chairman's Award. Derrick has also been recognized as one of Atlanta Business Journal's 2019 Top 25 Extraordinary Atlantans.

Derrick is married to CaMia Jackson, state representative of Georgia House District 153, and is a father and grandfather. He is also a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a silver-life member of the NAACP, a proud member of Elizabeth Baptist Church, and serves on several non-profit organization boards.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Experience matters. Georgia, a critical state in the 2022 Election, needs to elect a Lieutenant Governor who possesses leadership and service experience. I have thirty-seven (37) years of combined leadership and service and I’ll be ready day one to serve the people of Georgia.Georgians need a Lieutenant Governor who will govern with compassion and integrity. Integrity compels you to do the right thing. Compassion allows you to do the right thing for every Georgian citizen.I have a heart for people; therefore, I am really focused on issues associated with healthcare, education and equality. Every person deserves affordable access to medical services, the opportunity to achieve the highest level of education desired, and equal opportunity in their life’s pursuits.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am enthusiastic and eagerly initiate and support policy around the following:

There is a shortage of rental homes affordable and available to those living below the poverty line. Many of these families are severely burdened by their housing expenses and are more likely to sacrifice necessities such as healthy food and medical care. Additionally, with the rapid growth in Georgia’s suburbs, labor and material shortages, and a flood of corporate investors buying up available properties, the housing supply deficit has only increased, and many Georgians’ dreams of home ownership is slipping further away. This is unacceptable. Affordable Housing for all must be achieved.

Affordable Healthcare is a fundamental right in my opinion. All people have the right to be healthy. Healthcare should be affordable to all working families; no one should have to choose between receiving a doctor’s care, medicine, and food. I support the expansion of Medicaid in Georgia and drug pricing regulation.

The cliché is true, the children ARE our future. Public Education is the foundation for success. Providing a high quality, affordable education to all Georgia children is a requirement for all of us. Equality, investment, and innovation are the critical components in my opinion, and I’ll support any legislation that addresses these aspects.

Small Businesses are the backbone of every economy. They provide jobs to local community members, they often invest in the communities they reside in, and m

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Although it may sound like a cliché, I really do look up to mother. She is the person who taught me the value of serving others. From the moment that she handed me a snow shovel as a young boy, asking me to remove the snow from a neighbor’s driveway, and explaining why this was the right thing to do, my conviction to serve others has continued to grow.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I loved reading Barack Obama’s book, The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream. The title alone moved me; I had come a long way from that young boy being raised by a single mom in Syracuse, NY, and not unlike Barack Obama, I did and do have the audacity to hope. I resonated with many of Obama’s philosophies around the things that bring us together as Americans and how together we are stronger. I also connected with many of the policy concepts he favored such as the “dignity of work”, rethinking tax policy, and careful deliberation before sending our men and women in uniform into military conflict.

The late General Colin L. Powell, 65th U.S. Secretary of State, previous National Security Advisor and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, is absolutely one of the people I most admire. His memoir, My American Journey, is a treasured book in my collection. Not only do I relate to his military service, and the honor of serving, but I also resonate with his views on personal responsibility, the importance of family, and the opportunities that America does and should provide for all of its citizens.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Competence, honesty, compassion, vision, and experience are all important characteristics for an elected official.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Compassion, integrity, competent, visionary, leadership, consensus builder and a team player.

What legacy would you like to leave?

If I am elected Lieutenant Governor of the great state of Georgia, it is my intention to leave office with the state being a better place to reside for ALL citizens - regardless of age, sex, race, religion, or zip code. I believe that everyone deserves a seat at the table and deserves to have their quality of life improved per their standard. It is my intention to listen to the needs of everyday Georgians and answer the calls-to-action.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

It wasn't the first historical event that happened in my lifetime but it was extraordinarily impactful.

The 2008 election of President Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States was one of the most remarkable moments of my life. Being a part of that moment in history was genuinely exciting and sobering. The event absolutely changed the narrative of America’s history and showed the world anew, what was possible in our country. The Obama Family were a beacon of hope and change during The Great Recession, a time when the citizens of our country really needed hope. As I watched this Black man win this presidential election, I remember feeling that there was nothing I could not achieve.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was that of a hospital orderly. It was a summer job, and I was 15 years old when hired. The experience proved to be pivotal because I learned the importance of valuing and showing compassion to people. I observed how doctors and nurses showed kindness, compassion, and self-control to patients in all types of difficult situations, and it greatly influenced my way of thinking.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Holy Bible is my favorite book.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could be a fictional character, it would be the Marvel character, Thor. As a child, I read comic books and Thor’s connection with Zeus really struck me. I had a strong connection with God, so I really resonated with Thor’s connection with Zeus. Additionally, I loved the fact that Thor did not have any weaknesses other than serving and looking out for others; you could not touch him! He just went from planet to planet with his amazing hammer helping others and he never had to worry about being weakened by kryptonite like Superman or having one of his weapons destroyed like Batman.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Nobody by Brian McKnight

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Most people have struggle in their lives, and I am no exception. Quite honestly, I believe that the struggles we experience help us to shift and grow in ways we might not otherwise do.

Growing up without a father was a struggle. My mother did a wonderful job raising me, but it was a challenge finding male figures to pattern after. In that struggle, I learned to cope through prayer. My grandmother instilled in me at an early age that God was truly my father, and it was possible to build a true relationship with God. I believed her, and this faith helped me navigate through a great deal of confusion and pain. As I grew into manhood, God brought some very good men into my life to pattern after.

I also had a significant speech impediment in my early childhood years. I had stuttered terribly and would repeat the same words 4 or 5 times before finishing sentences. Children can be cruel, and I was called all types of names. But God continued to be with me, and a very special teacher gave me a simple book and directed me to read the book while looking into a mirror several times a day. This exercise greatly helped me and although I still have speech challenges, I’ve come a long way!

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

The office of Lieutenant Governor is enormously important and there are three areas of responsibility that I am intensely focused on. As President of the Senate, the Lieutenant Governor appoints committee chairs and members, presides over Senate and joint (Senate & House) sessions, and collaborates with advocates to introduce legislation. Additionally, per the Georgia Constitution, the Lt. Governor … shall have such executive duties as prescribed by the Governor and as may be prescribed by law not inconsistent with the powers of the Governor or other provisions of this Constitution… This area of responsibility sees the Lt. Governor focused on the operation, administration, and management of the state every day. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the Lieutenant Governor must be ready to step into the role of Governor if that person becomes unable to perform the role. If the Governor is temporarily disabled, the Lieutenant Governor exercises the powers and duties of the Governor until they return. In the case of death, resignation or permanent disability, the Lieutenant Governor becomes Governor.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Yes. I really feel that many people do not understand that the Lieutenant Governor resides in both the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branch. The amount of influence wielded by this position of government is not well understood by many voters.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

It is exceedingly difficult to perform well in the role of Lieutenant Governor if you lack experience in government or politics. I feel the governing skills necessary to conduct the policy, actions, and affairs of the state are best acquired through being elected and serving in such roles such as district representative, council member, or school board member. Additionally, understanding the politics associated with governing is critical. The ability to work and debate with others around issues critical to the people of Georgia is vital to moving Georgia in the right direction. And the Lieutenant Governor should possess these qualities upon taking the oath of office.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

I am eminently qualified for the office of Lieutenant Governor because I possess the skills necessary to be effective in the position. The ability to lead a diverse organization is so important during this tribalistic period of history. My 22 years of military experience (officer in the U.S. Navy) taught me how to build consensus and properly carry the responsibility of the safety and well-being of many people. I wanted to see each one of those men and women return home safely to their families, all of them. I also feel that the ability to be a servant-leader is so necessary in state government. Again, the military made me acutely aware that I could not ask men and women under my command to perform or act in ways that I was not willing or able to do. My experience working in Corporate America, non-profits, and local government reinforced my desire to be a servant leader, leading by example. The people of Georgia deserve to have trust and confidence in their state leaders. My record of garnering consensus, leading with integrity, taking responsibility, staying grounded in truth, and serving others will go a long way toward achieving the trust of Georgia citizens.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Knock knock jokes

Derrick Jackson did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.