Overview
- Bottoms announced Monday that she has accepted six televised debate invitations and publicly challenged Rick Jackson to join her for forums in Macon, Atlanta and Savannah.
- Both campaigns have now agreed to at least two fall events: an Atlanta News First town hall on Oct. 6 and the Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young debate on Oct. 12.
- Jackson’s campaign says he previously agreed to some debates and is resisting a six-forum slate while building a new statewide grassroots operation to reach voters directly.
- The debate fight has produced sharp messaging from both sides, with Bottoms criticizing Jackson’s business ties and Jackson’s team calling Bottoms’ push a sign of weakness.
- With polls showing the contest essentially tied and a meaningful share of voters undecided, the number, format and locations of debates could affect turnout and swing voting in November.