Vernon Jones, a former Democrat turned Republican and support of former President Donald Trump, announced he is pulling out of the race to become Georgia’s next governor.
Jones said in a statement he is endorsing David Perdue, the Trump-back candidate and primary challenger to Gov. Brian Kemp.
Jones made the announcement in a Tweet on Monday.
“I believe strong conservative voices need to be heard as we pull Georgia into the future,” Jones said in a written statement.
Jones said Trump will back him in a race for Georgia’s 10th congressional district.
Who is running for Georgia governor?
With Jones’s withdrawal, the Republican field is thinning out.
Perdue carries the significance of Trump’s endorsement and Kemp recently announced he raised $7.4 million in seven months. GOP activist Kandiss Taylor is challenging both in the primary.
Former Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams is the only Democratic candidate in the race.
Georgia’s 10th district race
Republican candidates will contend for the vacant 10th District seat to replace U.S. Rep. Jody Hice.
Prior to Jones’ announcement, the contenders included Patrick Witt, Mike Collin and State Rep. Timothy Barr.
