Former President Donald Trump’s endorsement carries weight in the GOP primary for the 3rd Congressional District in Georgia, where Brian Jack is running for office. Jack, who worked with Trump for eight years, emphasizes his ties to the former president and his role in enacting the “America First” agenda. Despite the power of Trump’s endorsement, some candidates in Georgia who received his backing have lost primaries, including former U.S. Sen. David Perdue. Jack’s opponents refrain from attacking Trump directly but question his ties to Washington, suggesting he may not truly represent the district.
The 3rd Congressional District, a Republican stronghold, includes parts of Georgia that border Alabama and extend into Atlanta’s suburbs. Incumbent Drew Ferguson is stepping down after failing to advance in House Republican leadership. Jack faces competition from four other Republican candidates, including former state senators, a congressional chief of staff, and a political activist. While the race has been polite thus far, a potential runoff may lead to more aggressive campaigning. The winner of the Republican primary will face the Democratic nominee, either Val Almonord or Maura Keller.
In a bid to appeal to Republican primary voters, candidates are focusing on different strategies. Some, like Mike Dugan, emphasize their ability to get things done based on past achievements. Others, such as Philip Singleton, promise to uphold conservative principles and fight against legislation that compromises freedom and liberty. Religious conservative Mike Crane highlights his opposition to abortion and calls for a moral rebirth in politics. Jim Bennett, the longest-running candidate, entered the race due to his dissatisfaction with Ferguson and is the least well-funded among the contenders.
While Jack leads in fundraising, with significant contributions from prominent political figures, his late entry into the race raises questions about whether his financial advantage will secure him a victory in the May 21 primary. Other candidates are positioning themselves for a potential runoff, hoping to capitalize on Jack’s relative unknown status among voters. With voter engagement expected to be low, individuals like Lisa Gunter are weighing various factors beyond Trump’s endorsement in their decision-making process. Ultimately, voters in Georgia’s 3rd District are looking for a candidate who will bring about meaningful change in Washington and fulfill their promises to constituents.
