Overview
- Jones appeared at the Atlanta Press Club debate on Monday and answered panel questions next to an unused lectern after his runoff opponent Rick Jackson did not attend.
- Jackson held a campaign event in Kennesaw with U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and said he had a scheduling conflict while his campaign said it offered other debate dates.
- Jackson’s team later proposed a June 14 debate hosted by Gray stations but Jones had not accepted that date as of these reports and most early voting runs June 8–12.
- On stage Jones used the absence to press allegations about Jackson’s past business settlements and worker claims and to outline positions on sports betting, tax incentives and data center subsidies.
- The runoff is a low-turnout contest shaped by turnout plans and endorsements, with President Donald Trump backing Jones and national Republicans backing Jackson, and the winner would face Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms in November.