GOP governor candidate skips debate against former Biden advisor, replaced by empty podium

Georgia Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson did not appear for a scheduled debate Monday night, leaving his Democratic opponent Keisha Lance Bottoms answering questions next to an empty podium.

"Rick Jackson is the first gubernatorial candidate not to stand here in 32 years," Bottoms said during the forum, claiming that Jackson, would "rather hide behind his billions than explain to you his record of making billions off the taxpayers of Georgia. While he is running to enrich himself, I am running to be your governor."

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Gubernatorial candidate and former mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms, speaks to supporters and members of the media while attending a phone booth event on Election Day May 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga. (Megan Varner/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that organizers indicated Jackson would mark the first major-party gubernatorial candidate not to attend an Atlanta Press Club general election debate in the history of the outfit's debate series. Press Club officials said that there was an attempt to set up a gubernatorial debate in 1994, but neither the Democrat incumbent nor the GOP rival could participate, according to the association.

Jackson's campaign did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

On Monday, Jackson said that he had "not had one voter ask me a question about debate. That's not what's important to them. What's important to them is affordability and gas prices going up."

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Georgia gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson attends the game between the Tennessee State Tigers and Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on Sept. 5, 2026 in Athens, Ga. (Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Bottoms has served as Atlanta mayor and as a senior advisor to President Joe Biden for public engagement. Jackson is a businessman and philanthropist.

The rival candidates previously participated in an Atlanta News First town hall-style debate event on Oct. 6 in which they fielded questions from voters.

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Georgia Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson (R) shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump after speaking at Wheeler High School on July 22, 2026 in Marietta, Georgia (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

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President Donald Trump endorsed Jackson after the candidate defeated Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who Trump backed for the Republican gubernatorial primary and primary runoff.