Georgia Governor Race: Keisha Lance Bottoms Faces Empty Podium at Debate

Georgia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms took the debate stage on Monday without her Republican opponent. She stood beside an empty podium and addressed questions as early voting began in the Peach State.

Rick Jackson is the first gubernatorial candidate not to stand here in 32 years,” Bottoms stated during her opening remarks. “He would rather hide behind his billions than explain to you his record of making billions off the taxpayers of Georgia.”

The debate lasted less than 30 minutes. Two journalists questioned Bottoms, who appeared alone after GOP nominee Rick Jackson decided not to attend.

Jackson’s campaign cited a scheduling conflict, noting he was campaigning in Savannah on the day of the debate, according to WSB-TV. The Republican toured several Georgia locations, including Atlanta, Macon, Columbus, and Savannah before heading to Columbia County.

When asked about skipping the debate, Jackson told reporters, “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 both campaigns for comments on Monday night.

Earlier, the candidates debated on October 6 at a town hall hosted by Atlanta News First. They answered questions from undecided voters across Georgia on various 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.

Significance of the Georgia Governor Race

The race for Georgia’s governor’s mansion is shaping up to be closely contested. Candidates are competing to succeed the term-limited Republican Governor Brian Kemp.

Jackson, the founder of Jackson Healthcare, positions himself as a political outsider. Bottoms, who served as Atlanta’s mayor from 2018 to 2022, later became 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 reflects a tight race, with Jackson receiving 45 percent support and Bottoms at 44 percent. Nine percent of respondents were undecided. The poll’s margin of error was plus or minus 2.7 percentage points.

The contest bears historical significance. A win for Bottoms would make her the first Black woman governor in the United States.

Jackson has been critical of Bottoms’ record as mayor. “Keisha nearly destroyed Atlanta,” Jackson posted on X. “We aren’t going to let her destroy Georgia, but only with your vote.”

Former President Donald Trump plans to attend a midterm campaign rally in Dalton, Georgia, on Friday. He will campaign for Jackson and Republican Senate nominee Mike Collins as Republicans aim to retain control of the governor’s office and defend their Senate majority.

Early voting begins in Georgia on Tuesday, ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.