ATL Standard

Former President Donald Trump recently gave his support for Vernon Jones in the upcoming race for Georgia’s 10th Congressional District.

According to Fox 5 Atlanta, the decision by Trump comes just after Jones decided to opt out of the race for governor. Jones released a statement saying that he endorses Republican gubernatorial candidate David Perdue in the race against incumbent and fellow Republican, Gov. Brian Kemp, who was first elected in 2018. Jones expressed his happiness to be supported by the former president.

“I’m proud to have (former) President Trump’s endorsement, confidence and support as I seek to represent the people of Georgia’s 10th Congressional District," Jones said in a statement. “America First movement is alive and well! The squad better get ready!”

Trump’s endorsement came through a video he created on Canadian video platform Rumble on Feb. 9, calling Jones "an America first fighter who will never back down to the establishment of the radical left.”

“Few fought harder for election integrity in 2020 than Vernon,” Trump said. “He’s a big supporter of a very good man running for governor: David Perdue. He has my complete and total endorsement. Vernon will not let you down. Let’s send a true patriot to Congress.”

Jones is a former Democrat state representative who crossed party lines to publicly support Trump in the 2020 election where he lost to President Joe Biden. He is the former CEO of DeKalb County and was a keynote speaker in the 2020 Republican National Convention.

Jones is running to fill a vacant seat in the 10th District, as Rep. Jody Hice is vying for Secretary of State. There is a wide field of 13 Republican candidates for the 10th Congressional District, according to Ballotpedia, including state Rep. Timothy Barr, Patrick Witt and Mike Collin. 

Democratic candidates include Jessica Fore, Phyllis Hatcher and Paul Walton.

The primary takes place on May 24.