Atlanta voters get one last, concentrated look at their runoff hopefuls this weekend as the Atlanta Press Club rolls out a two day slate of livestreamed debates on Sunday and Monday. The Loudermilk-Young series will spotlight key statewide and local matchups, from the Republican Senate and governor runoffs to secretary of state and Fulton County contests, with more time for one on one exchanges than the earlier, crowded primary lineups. For voters still weighing choices ahead of Georgia’s June runoffs, these panels are among the final chances to hear candidates field questions from local journalists in real time.
When and where to watch
The Atlanta Press Club says the debates will be held May 31 and June 1 and will be available as live streams, with many segments also airing on Georgia Public Broadcasting. The club’s event page notes that debates will be posted on the Atlanta Press Club YouTube Debate channel and streamed on GPB.org, and it adds that the sessions are not open to the public. For the full lineup and exact times, the schedule is listed on the Atlanta Press Club site.
Who's on stage
Sunday’s lineup features the marquee Republican U.S. Senate runoff between Mike Collins and Derek Dooley, while Monday’s slate includes the Republican contest for governor between Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Rick Jackson along with races for secretary of state, lieutenant governor, state school superintendent and Public Service Commission District 5. WABE’s rundown, from Capitol Beat reporter Ty Tagami, notes additional local matchups such as the Fulton County commission chair forum and several congressional debates. The packed two day format gives voters a compact way to compare the candidates who survived last week’s primary.
Who won't be there
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Rick Jackson told organizers he had a scheduling conflict and will not appear at the Monday governor debate, so Lt. Gov. Burt Jones will take questions with Jackson’s podium expected to remain empty. According to the AJC, other candidates have confirmed their participation and all debates will still be viewable online.
Why it matters
The outcome of these primary runoffs will be decided on June 16, and winners will move on to November’s general election, a timeline and context outlined by Georgia Public Broadcasting and the state’s election calendar. GPB details which contests advanced to runoffs, while the Office of the Secretary of State lists June 16 along with related deadlines and poll hours. With under three weeks until voters return to the polls, these debates could nudge late deciders in tightly fought races across the state.
Quick viewing notes
Most debates run about 30 minutes and follow the Press Club’s Loudermilk-Young format of short question rounds, rebuttals and closing statements, and the club publishes exact start times and invited candidates on its schedule. Under the club’s rules, candidates who decline to appear are represented by empty podiums. For livestream links and rebroadcast details, check the Atlanta Press Club page.
