GOP governor candidate skips debate against former Biden advisor, replaced by empty podium

Georgia Republican candidate Rick Jackson did not participate in a debate Monday night, leaving his Democratic opponent, Keisha Lance Bottoms, answering questions next to an empty podium.

"Rick Jackson is the first gubernatorial candidate not to stand here in 32 years," Bottoms said during the forum, claiming that Jackson would "rather hide behind his billions than explain to you his record of making billions off the taxpayers of . While he is running to enrich himself, I am running to be your governor."

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that organizers indicated Jackson would become the first major-party gubernatorial candidate not to attend an Atlanta Press Club general election debate in the history of the outfit's debate series. Press Club officials said that there was an attempt to set up a gubernatorial debate in 1994, but neither the Democrat incumbent nor the GOP rival could participate, according to the AJC.

Jackson's campaign did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

On Monday, Jackson said that he had "not had one voter ask me a question about debate. That's not what's important to them. What's important to them is affordability and gas prices going up."

Bottoms has served as Atlanta mayor and as a senior advisor to President for public engagement. Jackson is a businessman and philanthropist.

The rival candidates previously participated in an Atlanta News First town hall-style debate event on Oct. 6 in which they fielded questions from voters.

President endorsed Jackson after the candidate defeated Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who Trump backed for the Republican gubernatorial primary and primary runoff.