Georgia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms takes part in a scheduled debate without her Republican opponent after Rick Jackson does not attend. Multiple outlets report that Bottoms answers questions alone at the event, with Jackson’s absence leaving an empty podium next to her.
The decision not to appear comes as Georgia’s early voting period approaches, according to reporting ahead of the debate. Outlets describe the moment as unusual: Bottoms is positioned as the sole participant, and the format reflects Jackson’s no-show rather than a planned solo segment. Fox notes the empty podium, while Newsweek and PBS frame the debate as Bottoms responding to questions on the eve of early voting.
