Georgia Republicans settled two congressional nominations in Tuesday runoffs, with a former federal official defeating a man who was convicted for illegally demonstrating inside the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, and an ex-aide to Donald Trump winning in a race for an open seat in another district.
Former Trump aide Brian Jack beat former state Senate Majority Leader Mike Dugan for the Republican nomination in the 3rd Congressional District.
Jack will be favored against Democrat Maura Keller in November to succeed Republican U.S. Rep Drew Ferguson, who is stepping down after four terms.
A 36-year-old Peachtree City native, Jack was endorsed by Trump after working in his campaign and administration. He later worked for then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Jack based his campaign on his alignment with the former president, and using his Washington connections to raise funds.
“The power of the Trump endorsement is alive and well,” Jack told the AP by phone “I would not be a Republican nominee were it not for President Trump’s endorsement, his repeated endorsements.”
Jack promised to campaign heavily through November, in part to try to drive up turnout for Trump, and he touted his experience and connections as a way accomplish goals in Congress, including extending tax cuts and cracking down on immigration.
