(NewsNation) — Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis declined to take part in a debate against her primary challenger, who showed up and debated an empty podium instead.
Willis opted to skip the first Democratic debate on Sunday, attending a different event. Willis has been in the headlines as she’s faced accusations of misconduct due to her relationship with Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade, who her office hired to help build the Georgia election case against former President Donald Trump.
A Georgia judge found Willis’ conduct and her romantic relationship with Wade did not disqualify her from the case but ordered one of the two to step aside. Wade recused himself after the decision.
Trump’s team is appealing the decision.
Willis’ opponent, Christian Wise Smith, showed up to the debate despite her absence, addressing an empty podium.
Smith said he would handle the case against Trump differently than Willis, referencing her relationship with Wade and the fee he was paid for his work. However, Smith did not indicate he would drop the case against the former president.
Georgia’s Democratic primaries will be held on May 21, 2024, and the winner will oppose the Republican nominee in November.
Despite the controversy surrounding Willis, local polling shows her still holding a strong lead, with 79% of Democratic voters indicating they would vote for her, as compared to 9% for Smith.