Facing a tough challenge in his final campaign, Gov. Nathan Deal promised Republican state lawmakers he would return the favor if they helped him win re-election by donating to his campaign.

Campaign records show they came through in a big way.

GOP lawmakers reported donating about $550,000 to Deal’s campaign over the past three months, an Atlanta Journal-Constitution analysis found, much of it after the governor privately urged legislators to help him beat back Democratic nominee Jason Carter. That amounted to more than 10 percent of the $5 million Deal has raised since July 1.

Find out why the cash infusion was so important to the governor's campaign, and what lawmakers have to say, at our premium myajc.com website.

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The city of Brookhaven's mayor and City Council last week decided to remove the colored panes of glass from the dome of Brookhaven's new City Centre after residents objected to the brightness of the colors, seen here Friday, June 27, 2025. (Reed Williams/AJC)

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

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