Former Georgia Rep. Vernon Jones is running for an open congressional seat and has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.
Rep. Jody Hice (R-Ga.), who currently represents the district, is challenging Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.
“When it comes to Georgia’s 10th Congressional District, I have only one choice. And the man’s name is Vernon Jones,” Trump said in a video released by Jones’s campaign.
Trump described the ex-Democrat as “an America first fighter who will never back down to either the establishment or the radical left.”
“I’m proud to have President Trump’s endorsement, confidence and support as I seek to represent the people of Georgia’s 10th Congressional District. America First movement is alive and well! The squad better get ready!” Jones said in a statement.
Jones served two different stints in the Georgia House of Representatives, the latter ending in 2021. He was a Democrat most of the time but in 2020 threw his support behind Trump and switched parties.
Jones bowed out of the gubernatorial race earlier in the week, endorsing former Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.) over Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.
Hice leaving the 10th district seat vacant triggered over a dozen bids, including many Republican candidates. Business owner Timothy Barr, Dr. Paul Broun, and trucker Mike Collins are among them.
Several Democrats have also announced bids for the seat, which is rated solid or safe Republican by political handicapping websites.
Hice easily won the 2020 election with over 62 percent of the vote after running unopposed in the Republican primary. Hice first won the seat in 2014, after Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.) decided not to run for reelection.
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