Medicaid coverage gap

Democratic candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms and independent candidate Jackson clashed over surveillance technology, data centers, and health care policy at a Georgia governor debate hosted by Atlanta News First in Doraville. Both addressed concerns over Flock Safety's license-plate readers, agreeing the technology aids emergency response and crime-solving but needs tighter access restrictions. Bottoms called for a moratorium on new camera installations, while Jackson opposed the idea, arguing a technical fix could resolve misuse concerns.

On health care, Bottoms backed Medicaid expansion and increased mental health funding, while Jackson said he now supports expanding Medicaid to cover everyone, though without specifics, and pledged to negotiate drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies. On data centers, Jackson said he would require local community support and environmental compliance before backing new projects, while Bottoms called for a pause to let local governments develop policy. The candidates also disagreed on election security, with Bottoms citing concerns about rhetoric from President Trump and Jackson defending recent state election law changes under Gov. Brian Kemp. Advanced voting begins October 13.