Georgia GOP Candidate Convicted in Jan. 6 Riot Walks Out of Debate

Chuck Hand leaves stage during primary runoff debate against Wayne Johnson, citing personal attacks and district residency issues.

Hand, convicted for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, is competing in a June 18 runoff against former Trump official Wayne Johnson.
During the debate, Hand accused Johnson of orchestrating attacks on his wife and criticized Johnson’s lack of residency in the district.
Hand’s abrupt exit followed a press conference by third-place finisher Michael Nixon, who endorsed Johnson and highlighted Hand’s and his wife’s past legal issues.
Johnson emphasized his economic policies and concerns about proposed cuts to food aid, positioning himself as a viable candidate to challenge Democratic incumbent Sanford Bishop.
Early voting for the runoff election begins Monday, with the winner set to face Bishop in November.