Jones Attacks Absent Jackson at Atlanta Press Club Gubernatorial Debate
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones stood alone at Monday’s gubernatorial debate, using rival Rick Jackson’s empty podium to attack his character ahead of their June 16 runoff.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — Lt. Gov. Burt Jones criticized his Republican primary runoff rival Rick Jackson during a gubernatorial debate Monday, using Jackson’s absence to question the healthcare executive’s character and business dealings.
The Atlanta Press Club debate featured Jones standing alone on stage next to an empty podium representing Jackson, who declined the invitation. The two candidates will face each other in the June 16 primary runoff to determine who will challenge Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms in the November general election.
“It just shows a man’s character when he won’t show up and take questions,” Jones said during the debate, pointing several times to the empty podium beside him.
Jones Questions Jackson’s State Contracts and Political Donations
Jones used the platform to attack Jackson’s business record, specifically questioning the $1 billion in state contracts Jackson has received since 2020. He also criticized political donations Jackson made to former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams and former Republican Congresswoman Liz Cheney.
The lieutenant governor referenced an unanswered question from a previous debate in April, saying Jackson failed to address whether he hires immigrants who lack permanent legal status. “He couldn’t answer that question then [and] probably the reason why he’s not here now,” Jones stated.
Jackson Takes Different Campaign Approach
While Jones participated in the formal debate, Jackson chose a different strategy for Monday evening. About an hour before the Atlanta Press Club debate was scheduled to begin, Jackson appeared at Governors Gun Club for a separate campaign event.
Jones emphasized that unlike his opponent, he would be on the record about his policy positions. He used Jackson’s absence to portray himself as more transparent and accountable to voters in the lead-up to the primary runoff.
The primary race has been marked by sharp exchanges between the two candidates, with both vying for the Republican nomination in what has become an expensive contest. The winner of the June 16 runoff will face Bottoms, who secured the Democratic nomination, in what is expected to be a competitive general election race for Georgia’s governorship.
