Five Republican candidates vying for their party's nomination in Georgia's 3rd Congressional District engaged in a debate, with a notable focus on former President Donald Trump's influence.
Brian Jack, who served as Trump's political director, emphasized his ties to the former president throughout the debate, positioning himself as a candidate who would continue Trump's work in Congress.
While Jack highlighted his association with Trump, other contenders such as former state senators Mike Crane and Mike Dugan, former state Rep. Philip Singleton, and party activist Jim Bennett largely refrained from attacking Jack directly.
Crane raised concerns about Washington insiders potentially influencing the selection of the district's representative, contrasting with the more conservative stances taken by Crane, Bennett, and Singleton, who expressed willingness to join the Freedom Caucus if elected.
The candidates also discussed their views on reproductive rights, with Jack echoing Trump's stance on leaving restrictions to the states, while Dugan supported Georgia's current abortion restrictions but hesitated on in vitro fertilization regulations.
Regarding the 2020 election, all candidates believed Trump rightfully won Georgia, despite no credible evidence supporting this claim. They also expressed support for stricter immigration policies, with some advocating for mass deportations of undocumented individuals and criticizing foreign aid packages until border security concerns are addressed.
Overall, the debate showcased a range of perspectives among the Republican candidates, with each emphasizing their commitment to conservative principles and aligning with Trump's policies on various issues.
