Georgia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms took the debate stage Monday without her Republican opponent, standing beside an empty podium as she answered questions on the eve of early voting in the Peach State. Jackson's campaign said he had a scheduling conflict and was campaigning in the Savannah area, according to WSB-TV. The Republican spent Monday touring Georgia, visiting Atlanta, Macon, Columbus and Savannah before heading to Columbia County.
When asked about his decision not to attend the debate, Jackson told reporters Monday, “Out of probably 10,000 people I've talked to, not one of them has mentioned anything about a debate because that's not important to the people.” Newsweek reached out to Jackson and Bottoms’ campaigns for comment Monday night. The candidates previously debated on October 6 during a town hall hosted by Atlanta News First, where they answered questions from undecided voters across Georgia on a range of issues. The town hall was described as likely their only debate.
Monday's event was part of the Atlanta Press Club’s Loudermilk-Young Debate Series. The Peach State battle for the governor’s mansion is shaping up to be closely contested as candidates vie to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Brian Kemp. Jackson is founder of Jackson Healthcare, a medical staffing company, and has positioned himself as a political outsider.
Bottoms served as Atlanta’s mayor from 2018 to 2022 and later as a senior adviser to former President Joe Biden. Jackson currently leads Bottoms 49 percent to 47 percent, according to Decision Desk HQ’s polling average. A recent YouGov poll also found a tight race, with Jackson receiving 45 percent support and Bottoms 44 percent.
Nine percent of respondents were undecided. The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.7 percentage points. The contest also carries historical significance.
If Bottoms wins, she would become the first Black woman to serve as governor in the United States. Jackson has repeatedly criticized Bottoms' record as Atlanta mayor. Early voting begins in Georgia on Tuesday, ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
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