As the 2022 elections near, campaigns for political seats across all levels is heating up.

David Perdue, Vernon Jones and former president Donald Trump have thrown a wrench into the race for Georgia’s 10th Congressional District.

Just days ago, after Perdue announced he would challenge incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp for the Republican nomination in the May 24 primary, Jones jumped out of the race for Georgia’s governor and into the race for the 10th Congressional District seat being vacated by Jody Hice.

With their decision, Trump publicly endorsed both Perdue and Jones. I’ll bet some backroom dealings between those three camps led to such a move. I mean, you can’t have two “Trump men” pulling votes from each other. That will serve no one well, except maybe a Democrat challenger like Stacey Abrams.

So now, in the race for our 10th Congressional District seat, there’s one question left to be asked: How much Trump should a “Trump man” stump if a “Trump man” ain’t got Trump?

Mike Collins, also vying for the 10th Congressional District, was once considered the favorite to win the seat. He’s been down this road before, making the GOP runoff against Hice in 2014. Collins is also a son of the late U.S. Rep. Mac Collins. And, after all, he’s been a self-proclaimed “Trump man” from the start.

But now what happens? How does Trump’s decision to back Jones affect the other candidates’ campaigns? Will all other “Trump men” bow out in respect to the Don? Maybe. But it appears Collins won’t be one of them.

Collins sent a clear message after Jones’ announcement, calling Jones “a corrupt, carpetbagging, lifelong Democrat from DeKalb County who’s been accused of rape.” 

And although he couldn’t get Trump’s endorsement, he is still touting his Trump allegiance as a key part of his campaign message — a mistake in my opinion.

Collins’ rape comments were in reference to Jones’ time as a DeKalb County CEO when a Lithonia woman accused him of such. The district attorney eventually dropped the charges. At the time, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the woman wanted to avoid the trauma of a trial. Jones declared himself exonerated. 

Formerly a Democrat, Jones jumped to the Republican Party in 2020 after he endorsed Trump for reelection and spoke at the Republican National Convention. Trump is certainly returning the favor, isn’t he?

Despite a what some see as a checkered past, and the fact he doesn’t actually reside in the district, a few people tell me they think Jones might have a real shot to win the 10th Congressional District seat. In visits to counties that make up the district, which includes a portion of Newton, Jones appears to be saying all of the right things and at least looking the part. 

Jones’ decision to drop out of the race for governor was probably the best decision if he wants to win a race this year. I think his chances against Kemp were pretty slim compared to Perdue. 

But in a crowded field of now 12 congressional candidates, don’t be surprised if you see Jones in a GOP runoff or even come out on top.

Taylor Beck is editor and publisher of The Covington News. He may be reached at tbeck@covnews.com.