Brian Jack aimed to focus a Sunday debate among Republican candidates for an open congressional seat in Georgia on his strong connections to former President Donald Trump, even though the other candidates did not acknowledge Trump’s endorsement of Jack.
Five Republicans vying for their party’s nomination in Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District gathered for a debate hosted by the Atlanta Press Club.
In addition to Jack, who served as Trump’s political director and worked for then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, the candidates included former state senators Mike Crane and Mike Dugan, former state Rep. Philip Singleton, and party activist Jim Bennett.
They are competing to replace Republican U.S. Rep. Drew Ferguson, who is stepping down. The district stretches along the Alabama border from Carrollton to Columbus and extends eastward into the Atlanta suburbs of Newnan and Peachtree City.
Jack frequently highlighted his tenure in the Trump administration, pledging to continue that work if elected to Congress.
“To present myself, I believe I will emphasize the record of accomplishments and successes that we achieved in that administration,” Jack stated.
While others mostly refrained from criticizing Jack, Crane hinted that McCarthy was attempting to endorse Jack, questioning whether voters should choose their representative or allow Washington insiders to dictate the decision.
Mike Dugan listens at the debate (Via Joshua Jones/Shutterstock)
“Do you want to take responsibility for that vote, or do you want to let Washington, D.C., insiders continue choosing the next representative for the 3rd District?” Crane posed.
However, direct attacks on Jack, who leads in fundraising for the race, were generally subdued. Crane, Bennett, and Singleton positioned themselves with more conservative stances, each expressing intent to join the Freedom Caucus if elected.
Singleton, known for his clashes with GOP leadership during his tenure in the state House and criticism of then-Speaker David Ralston, clarified that he is not inherently oppositional.
“I advocate for the principles that I believe in and stand for,” Singleton remarked. “I’m not someone who fights against individuals; I advocate for sound policies.”
