Former Democratic state lawmaker Vernon Jones and businessman Mike Collins are set to face off in a runoff election on Tuesday to win the Republican nomination for Georgia’s 10th Congressional District.
As voters get ready to go to the polls, the candidates are making their final pitch to voters by hurling accusations about one another.
Jones has cast Collins as a member of the political “Establishment,” as he promised to “deal the Establishment a loss they will never forget.”
Despite being a former Democrat, Jones has remained a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump. Trump offered his endorsement to Jones in the congressional race after he dropped out of a gubernatorial GOP challenge to Governor Brian Kemp. The move was an attempt to clear the field for David Perdue, Trump’s preferred candidate. However, Kemp demolished Perdue in the election last month
“When it comes to Georgia’s 10th Congressional District I have only one choice, and the man’s name is Vernon Jones, a very special person. He’s an America First fighter who will never back down to either the establishment or the radical Left,” Trump said in the endorsement.
On the other side, Collins has repeatedly referred to Jones as a Democrat, saying the opposing political party is not welcome at his election night watch party.
“Democrats are meeting over at the other guy’s event, just outside the 10th District of course,” Collins said in a tweet.
Y'all come on down to Jackson tomorrow. Everyone welcome.
Except Democrats. Democrats are meeting over at the other guy's event, just outside the 10th District of course. #gapol #GA10 pic.twitter.com/78It4cMURb
— Mike Collins (@MikeCollinsGA) June 20, 2022
Additionally, the candidate, who is running as a political outsider, has repeatedly pointed to allegations of sexual assault by Jones.
The winner of the primary election will advance to the general election in November with the goal of replacing Rep. Jody Hice, who waged an unsuccessful Republican primary challenge against Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Georgia Star News and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected].
