'This is where I get back in my truck': Convicted Jan. 6 rioter running for Congress walks out of debate
WASHINGTON — Convicted Jan. 6 rioter Chuck Hand, who is running as a Republican candidate to represent Georgia’s 2nd Congressional District, walked out of a televised debate on Sunday.
Hand, a construction superintendent, is competing against fellow Republican Wayne Johnson for the GOP nomination in the southwest Georgia district. The primary runoff is scheduled for June 18, and the winner will go on to compete against Democratic incumbent Rep. Sanford Bishop in November, who has represented the district since 1993.
The Sunday incident came after Hand was asked during the debate, sponsored by the Atlanta Press Club, what his thoughts were on a House Republican plan for a farm bill and whether he supports a proposal to cut food aid for low-income Americans.
“I’m not interested in debating the issues of the 2nd District with a man who doesn’t even reside in it, especially one who orchestrates attacks on my wife,” Hand said, arguing that he was a better candidate than Johnson.
He appeared to be referring to a press conference given by Michael Nixon, who finished third place in the Republican primary last month for the second district seat. After his loss, Nixon endorsed Johnson and attacked Hand, claiming that he and his wife “bring with them to this race significant criminal backgrounds and a demonstration of financial irresponsibility.”
Hand also appeared to criticize Johnson for not living in the bounds of the 2nd congressional district, the Associated Press reported, which is not a requirement.
Hand added during his remarks that, “This race is very simple. It’s either 8th District money or 2nd District heart. The choice is yours. It’s the dollar versus the change. Now this is where I get back in my truck and head back to southwest Georgia because I got two races to win.”
Anchor Donna Lowry said, “You’re not staying? You’re leaving, sir? OK.”
Johnson, who served in the Education Department during former President Donald Trump's administration, said Hand's decision to leave the debate "should cause people to pause and think about why he did it and what he was trying to get by doing it.”
Hand was convicted of a misdemeanor and sentenced to 20 days in federal prison for illegally demonstrating during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack. At least four people convicted of crimes tied to the Capitol riot are running for Congress this year.