New reporting from CBS News highlights Rick Jackson’s withdrawal from a Sunday GOP forum focused on issues facing the Black community, a decision that “drew swift criticism from both Democratic and Republican figures, who questioned Jackson’s willingness to engage with voters.”
Conservative radio host and event co-sponsor Shelley Wynter laced into Jackson on his show Friday night for skipping the event, saying that Jackson’s decision made clear that “the people don’t matter” to him. He went on to deliver a brutal blow directly to Jackson: “So don’t be surprised, Mr. Jackson, if you do make it to the general that many of us, including myself, say I didn’t matter in March.”
Jackson has also come under fire from his GOP rivals for his refusal to debate – with Burt Jones saying that Jackson should speak directly with voters outside his “flashy overpriced TV ads” – as this messy Republican primary turns further into a “slugfest” between the candidates.
Read for yourself:
CBS News: Rick Jackson pulls out of GOP forum focused on Black community, drawing criticism
By Zachary Bynum 3/29/26
Key excerpts:
- “Rick Jackson, a Republican candidate for statewide office, has withdrawn from a Sunday forum focused on issues facing the Black community, according to event organizers.”
- “The decision drew swift criticism from both Democratic and Republican figures, who questioned Jackson’s willingness to engage with voters.”
- “Dr. Barbara Campbell, Chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia’s African-American Caucus, called Jackson’s absence “shameful,” questioning how he could expect to lead the state without addressing critical issues for Black Georgians.”
- “Shelley Wynter, co-sponsor of the event and radio host, announced Jackson’s withdrawal on air.”
- “Wynter argued that serious candidates should be prepared to address all communities and suggested that Jackson’s decision may have been influenced by criticism from rival Burt Jones at a previous event earlier in the week.”
- “Jackson has recently downplayed the importance of debates, telling an audience in Watkinsville that they ‘don’t actually change things.’”
- “Wynter responded online, warning that nearly 400 expected attendees would be reminded of Jackson’s remarks at the start of the town hall.”
- “Wynter and other Republicans, including Jones and Carr, have also criticized Jackson’s reluctance to debate, highlighting growing tensions within the GOP primary.”
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