Georgia Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson did not appear for a scheduled debate on Monday night, leaving Democratic opponent Keisha Lance Bottoms to answer questions beside an empty podium. Bottoms stated that Jackson is the first gubernatorial candidate not to stand at the forum in 32 years, asserting that he would rather hide behind his billions than explain his record of making billions off Georgia taxpayers. She contrasted his motivations with her own, saying she is running to serve as governor while he runs to enrich himself.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that organizers identified Jackson as the first major-party gubernatorial candidate to miss an Atlanta Press Club general election debate in the series' history. Press Club officials noted a previous attempt to hold a gubernatorial debate in 1994, but neither the Democratic incumbent nor the Republican rival could participate at that time.
Jackson's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. On Monday, Jackson addressed his absence by stating that no voter had asked him about the debate. He claimed that voters are more concerned with affordability and rising gas prices than with debate appearances.
Keisha Lance Bottoms has previously served as Atlanta mayor and as a senior advisor to President Joe Biden for public engagement. Rick Jackson is a businessman and philanthropist. The two candidates previously participated in a town hall-style debate event hosted by Atlanta News First on Oct. 6, where they fielded questions from voters.
President Donald Trump endorsed Jackson after the candidate defeated Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the Republican gubernatorial primary and runoff. Trump had initially backed Jones for the primary.