Headline Roundup • October 13th, 2026
GOP Candidate Skips Georgia Gubernatorial Debate
2026 Midterm Elections,Gubernatorial Races,Georgia,Republican Party,Democratic Party,Debates,Elections
Summary from the AllSides News Team
Georgia's Democratic gubernatorial nominee, Keisha Lance Bottoms, debated by herself on Monday after her Republican opponent, Rick Jackson, declined to participate.
The Details: Bottoms answered questions from two journalists for 30 minutes next to an empty podium on Monday night. In her opening remarks, she said, "Rick Jackson is the first gubernatorial candidate not to stand here in 32 years. He would rather hide behind his billions than explain to you his record of making billions off the taxpayers of Georgia." Jackson's campaign told WSB-TV (not rated) that he had a scheduling conflict and was campaigning in the Savannah area. Jackson told reporters earlier on Monday that, "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."
For Context: Bottoms and Jackson previously debated on October 6 during a town hall hosted by Atlanta News First. Jackson also participated in the first round of gubernatorial debates in April. Bottoms had agreed to six debates during the general election season. Incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp (R) is term-limited, making this election in Georgia an open seat.
How the Media Covered It: Outlets on the left and Newsweek (Center bias) described Jackson as a "billionaire" in their reporting and included how much money he's spent during his campaign. Fox News (Right) conversely described Jackson as a businessman and philanthropist. The Daily Beast (Left) said Jackson "was left humiliated after dodging a high-profile debate." The outlet said Bottoms was left to "roast an empty podium" and "took full advantage of the bizarre optics" created by Jackson's absence. Daily Beast also highlighted Jackson's ties to MAGA and President Trump. Fox News focused on Bottoms being the former Atlanta mayor and a senior advisor to former President Biden. Newsweek described the debate as "unusual" and mentioned that if Bottoms wins, she would become the first black woman to serve as governor in the US.
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Featured Coverage of this Story
GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson was left humiliated after dodging a high-profile debate, leaving his opponent to roast an empty podium.
Megan Varner/Getty Images
Georgia Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson did not participate in a debate Monday night, leaving his Democratic opponent, Keisha Lance Bottoms, answering questions next to an empty podium.
AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser
Georgia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms took the debate stage Monday without her Republican opponent, standing beside an empty podium as she answered questions on the eve of early voting in the Peach State.
