Vernon Jones Dropping From Georgia Governor’s Race After Reported Pressure From Trump

Topline

Former Georgia state Rep. Vernon Jones (R) announced Monday he’s dropping out of the race for Georgia governor, saying he will instead run for Congress, after former President Donald Trump reportedly offered to endorse Jones if he abandoned his bid for governor.

Key Facts

Crucial Quote

“After much prayer & consideration I have decided that I can best serve the people of Georgia in the Congress of the United States,” Jones said. “Together as conservatives we will Take Georgia Back.” 

Surprising Fact

Jones indicated last week he planned to stay in the race, saying: “My priority is – and has been since Day One –  is to do whatever it takes to defeat Brian Kemp.” 

Key Background

Jones’ decision clears the field in the GOP primary to just two major candidates: Perdue and incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp (R). A Quinnipiac University poll last month found Kemp with a seven percentage point lead over Perdue, while Jones ran third with 10% support. His departure from the race could serve to solidify the anti-Kemp vote for Perdue, given he and Jones were both running on essentially the same platform. Kemp has faced repeated attacks from Trump for more than a year, after he refused Trump’s calls to overturn President Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential election win in the state. The election will serve as a major test of the power of Trump’s endorsement, since Kemp maintains a high approval rating among Georgia Republicans—70%, according to the Quinnipiac poll. The Republican primary will be held May 24.

What To Watch For

Whichever candidate wins the GOP primary will likely face off against Democrat Stacey Abrams in a hotly contested general election. The Quinnipiac poll showed Abrams tied with Perdue and trailing Kemp by two percentage points in a potential matchup. Election Day is set for November 8.

Further Reading

Trump-Chosen Perdue Enters Georgia Race—And The War Of Words Begins (Forbes)

Trump meddles in Georgia race to get candidate to back his 2020 falsehoods (CNN)

Vernon Jones Staying In Georgia Governor’s Race—But Trump Wants Him To Drop Out (Forbes)

75% Of Georgia Voters Aren’t ‘Very Confident’ 2022 Election Will Be Fair, Poll Suggests (Forbes)