ATLANTA — Republican Rick Jackson, a candidate for Georgia governor, has accepted an invitation to participate in a town-hall style debate on Oct. 7 hosted by Gray Media, the parent company of Atlanta News First. The exchange formalizes one of several debate arrangements shaping what is expected to be a high-profile fall campaign in a state that remains central to national politics.
Who’s on the invitation list
The Oct. 7 event will be presented through Atlanta News First and its streaming platforms. Gray Media has extended invitations to major contenders in the marquee statewide races, including the Democratic nominee for governor, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and both principal candidates in the U.S. Senate contest.
- Governor’s race: Rick Jackson (R) agreed to the town-hall-style debate; Keisha Lance Bottoms (D) has been invited and her campaign is in discussions with the station.
- U.S. Senate: Sen. Jon Ossoff has accepted a debate invitation; Rep. Mike Collins, his Republican challenger, has also been invited.
Context and local stakes
Atlanta residents will likely see these televised forums as one of the key opportunities to hear candidates address issues that affect the city and region — transportation, affordable housing, public safety, and economic development among them. The Nov. 3, 2026 midterm elections follow a cycle where Georgia has frequently been in the national spotlight, and televised debates can influence voter awareness in the metro area and statewide.
Campaign signals and recent exchanges
Bottoms publicly challenged Jackson to three debates late last month, saying Georgians deserve direct access to candidates’ positions. Jackson has signaled willingness to debate in other appearances; on 95.5 WSB’s Shelley Wynter show he responded affirmatively about debating Bottoms.
“Of course I’ll debate her. I look forward to it. There’s a clear choice and a difference.”
Gray Media’s role in arranging debates places Atlanta News First among local outlets facilitating voter engagement before the fall election. The station has promoted its political programming, including a weekly show and newsletters, as part of that effort.
What to expect next
Details such as moderator, format specifics beyond the town-hall style, and confirmation of participant lists are expected in the coming weeks. For Atlanta voters, these debates will be one of several ways to evaluate candidates before casting ballots on Nov. 3.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Governor town-hall (Gray Media) | Oct. 7, 2026 | Rick Jackson accepted; Bottoms in discussions |
| Senate debate (Gray Media) | Fall 2026 (date TBA) | Jon Ossoff accepted; Mike Collins invited |
The conversations now turning toward confirmed debate schedules will shape how campaigns deploy resources and communicate with Atlanta-area voters over the next three months.
