In a debate held among Republican candidates vying for an open congressional seat in Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District, hosted by the Atlanta Press Club on Sunday, April 28th, the focus was divided between policy positions and individual credentials. Brian Jack, who served as the political director for former President Donald Trump and worked under then-U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, emphasized his close association with Trump throughout the debate, despite other candidates choosing not to engage with Trump’s endorsement of Jack.
The contenders, including former state senators Mike Crane and Mike Dugan, former state Rep. Philip Singleton, and party activist Jim Bennett, are competing to succeed Republican U.S. Rep. Drew Ferguson, who is vacating the seat. The district spans from Carrollton to Columbus along the Alabama border, extending eastward into Atlanta suburbs such as Newnan and Peachtree City.
Throughout the debate, Jack consistently highlighted his tenure in the Trump administration, pledging to continue his work if elected to Congress. While some candidates refrained from directly criticizing Jack, Crane questioned the influence of Washington insiders like McCarthy in the candidate selection process, advocating for voters to have a more significant say in choosing their representative.
Although Jack leads in fundraising, Crane, Bennett, and Singleton positioned themselves as more conservative alternatives, with each expressing willingness to join the Freedom Caucus if elected. Singleton, despite previous clashes with GOP leadership during his tenure in the state House, emphasized his commitment to advocating for principles rather than opposing individuals.
On the topic of abortion rights, Jack echoed Trump’s stance, advocating for states to determine restrictions. Dugan revealed his support for Georgia’s existing abortion restrictions, while acknowledging the complexity of in vitro fertilization regulations. However, Bennett and others expressed unequivocal support for stringent abortion restrictions, with Bennett asserting his belief in life beginning at conception.
In a display of solidarity with Trump, all candidates indicated their belief that Trump rightfully won Georgia’s 16 electoral votes in the 2020 election. While some expressed confidence in recent changes to Georgia’s election laws, Bennett criticized the continued use of Dominion ballot marking devices, echoing concerns among Republican activists about voting machine integrity.
Regarding immigration policy, all candidates voiced support for increased restrictions, with many advocating for mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Jack even stated his intention to vote against foreign aid packages until satisfied with border security measures. Dugan criticized the Biden administration’s handling of border security, asserting a lack of trust in their ability to secure the southern border.
The debate provided voters with insights into the candidates’ positions on key issues, showcasing a range of perspectives within the Republican Party as they vie for the congressional nomination in Georgia’s 3rd District.
