Jim Kingston outlines priorities in Georgia’s 1st Congressional District race if elected on Nov. 3

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Republican candidate Jim Kingston for Georgia’s 1st Congressional District spoke with WTOC ahead of the November 3rd election about his priorities if elected.

Military and agriculture

Kingston highlighted southeast Georgia’s military presence with Fort Stewart, Hunter Army Airfield and Kings Bay Naval Base as a means to run.

Along with both of Georgia’s ports and agricultural interests.

“Georgia’s always had strong advocates for our ports, for our agriculture, and for our defense,” Kingston said. “The defense stuff is very important for protecting the world, but also very important for the economic impact that it gives smaller regions like Camden County, like Ludowici, like Hinesville. So I’d like to be a champion of all the sectors.”

Conflict in Iran

The conflict in Iran continues months after it was said to end.

“I’m really glad Secretary of State Marco Rubio is there. He is a lot better at the international stuff than I am. Trump has surrounded himself with really great people, and that’s why I proudly supported him this last go-round, and in 2016, and in 2020,” Kingston said. “I’m not in those private briefings, but I know this. You know, we’ve got to get gas prices down one way or the other, and the president’s on top of things.”

Inflation

Inflation is top of mind for many voters as the area continues to grow.

Kingston said he would support a flat tax to help those affected by inflation.

WTOC interviewed him at a small business roundtable in Savannah on September 30.

“I think the best thing to give taxpayers relief is to cut taxes. I’d support a flat tax, I’d support a fair tax, but really, any form of tax simplification would make sense to me. We did a small business roundtable with Governor Kemp [today], and I mean, one thing I know is people work really hard for their dollar. We shouldn’t send it to Washington to be wasted anymore.”

Message to undecided voters

For those still deciding between him and Democrat Amanda Hollowell, Kingston said he welcomes differing viewpoints.

“Well, look, I’m going to be a champion for everyone in Southeast Georgia, and everybody in the state of Georgia for that, for a matter of fact,” Kingston said. “But, you know, look, I have a lot of friends and all different sorts of political ideologies. They’re still my friends. I still take their phone calls. I still welcome their feedback. Doesn’t mean I have to agree with everybody or everything, but I’ve always cautioned people. If you meet somebody that agrees with you on every single topic, that person’s probably lying to you, so you’ve got to be careful. But I’m going to be a champion for every single voter and even non-voters in this area.”

Closing stretch of the campaign

Kingston said he felt good about the campaign heading into the final weeks but does not plan to slow down.

“I feel good about things, and we’ve built the team to go the distance.”

But as a sports fan, he had an analogy for where the race stands as he visited Savannah, St. Simons, Baxley, Jesup, Ludowici, Waycross, and more communities as Election Day nears.

“Look, it feels great, but we need to finish the drill, right? Any Falcons fan will tell you, fourth-quarter lead, third-quarter lead in the Super Bowl, you don’t slow down,” Kingston said. “I know we’ve got to make it through the goal line, not just jogging, but sprinting. And so I feel good about things, but that’s not to say we’re slowing down, we’re not slowing down.

Private sector experience

Kingston proudly pointed to his private sector career as he looks to win the Nov. 3 election.

“I’ve never done anything in public life as a professional, but what I have learned as a business insurance broker is there’s a lot of people out there, and every single one of them distrusts the federal government. I’d like to go to Washington, D.C., and restore common sense back to the process.”