Atlanta debate stage left with empty podium | FOX 5 News

追加: 2026-06-02

[00:00:00]Candidates in the Republican race for governor hit the campaign trail this afternoon. Businessman Rick Jackson rallied supporters at a midday campaign event in Kennesaw.

[00:00:10]>> Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones took part in a runoff debate at Georgia Public Broadcasting in Atlanta, but Jackson wasn't there. Fox 5 Deidra Dukes live at the State Capitol with the night's new details for us. Deidra?

[00:00:24]>> And we are less than a week away from the start of advanced voting. The candidates still running neck and neck.

[00:00:31]Now, Jones faced off against an empty podium today as Jackson declined an invitation by the Atlanta Press Club to participate in their debate.

[00:00:44]>> This race is between an outsider and an insider. Burt Jones is the insider's pick. He has been in office for 14 years. He's had the title. He's had the office. He's had the power and still failed to deliver property tax relief for Georgia this year.

[00:01:01]>> Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson spent the afternoon speaking to hundreds of supporters in an event in Kennesaw.

[00:01:08]>> I'm sorry that my opponent decided not to show up.

[00:01:11]>> His campaign appearance came about an hour before the gubernatorial runoff debate hosted by the Atlanta Press Club.

[00:01:18]An event he declined citing a scheduling conflict. The Jones campaign had previously challenged Jackson to a face-to-face debate to be held before early voting officially kicks off on Saturday.

[00:01:30]>> I do not care about joining their club.

[00:01:33]>> [applause] >> Addressing the crowd, the businessman pitched himself as a political outsider looking to shake up the system, leaning heavily on his personal background and drawing sharp contrast between himself and his opponent.

[00:01:44]>> He didn't have any answers for these questions that are >> Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones did appear next to an empty podium for the Atlanta Press Club debate. Jones fielded questions from panelists during the half-hour debate as he works to secure his party's nomination in the fierce race for governor.

[00:01:59]>> I tell you I'm going to do something, I'm going to deliver on it. And just like when I told you I was going to show up for this debate, I I showed up and took the questions. For both friendly questions, uh all friendly questions, but some were a little tougher than others. But I take it I took the questions either way, and I think that's what you want in your elected officials.

[00:02:18]Folks who'll show up, take on the tough questions, and show that they represent the people of Georgia, no matter what.

[00:02:27]>> Now, Jackson's campaign spokesman did tell me today that they have offered uh Jones' campaign alternate days for debates. It's unclear at this point whether the two will face off in any debates before election day. At the state capitol, Deidra Dukes, Fox 5 News.

[00:02:42]>> All right, Deidra, high stakes going into this runoff. Thanks. You'll have another opportunity to hear from the runoff candidates this week. Several Georgia organizations will partner to host a non-partisan forum. It's designed to give you direct access to the candidates, so you can hear their priorities and ask them questions before you cast your votes. Candidates for lieutenant governor, insurance commissioner, secretary of state, Fulton County Commissioner District 5, and Commission Chair will be there. If you're interested in participating, head to the Ivy Community Center at 6:00 p.m.

[00:03:15]Wednesday night.