Warnock talks student loan debt relief, voting and Augusta in student press call

Then candidate Rev. Raphael Warnock speaks at a campaign rally in Augusta Jan.4, 2021. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)

By Rakiyah Lenon | Editor in chief 

Senator Rev. Raphael Warnock (D) hosted a student press call Monday, Oct. 10, to answer questions from student journalists four days before his debate with Republican candidate Herschel Walker.

Warnock, the Democratic candidate for the Georgia U.S. Senate race, was sworn in back in January of 2021. Warnock has advocated for polices like student loan debt relief and often campaigns on bipartisan work he has done with members of the Republican Party.

In the Zoom call this week, Warnock spoke to student journalists from colleges across Georgia, including Augusta University, University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and Morehouse College, of which Warnock is an alumnus. 

“Part of your job as a journalist is to make sure your peers are informed,” Warnock said.

Speaking to the fact that many students enrolled in college have been affected by the pandemic in some way or another, Warnock said, “As students, you have continued to press forward.”

As prices rise throughout the country, Warnock said he plans to make the cost of living more affordable for students and families. He said that the soaring interest rates on student loans have made it difficult for students who will soon seek other loans, like mortgages for purchasing homes.

“They should not have a mortgage before they have a mortgage,” he said of college students. “I continue to make an investment that makes college more affordable.”

Locally, Warnock said that he has advocated for funding in the CSRA to contribute to the growth of the surrounding community.

“I’d like to see Augusta develop a regional tech hub,” he said. 

Warnock visited Augusta Technical College on the campaign trail last month.

Recently, Warnock voted to give over $6 million to Augusta Transit that would fund new electric busses. 

“There’s a lot of great things coming to Augusta,” he said.

Having made several trips to region, he said, “It’s a magical city in our state.”

With Georgia being an area of focus among many across the country, there are several issues for voters to take a stance on. Walker said he looks “forward to being a champion” for the issues that matter to Georgians.

“Elections are about choice,” he said. 

As Election Day approaches next month, Warnock said he encourages young people and those who might be “on the fence” to take the opportunity to participate in the election.

“If you look at every great movement in the country, young people have always been at the center,” he said. 

As Warnock prepares to face Walker in the televised debate, he said he finds it necessary to gives voters the opportunity to hear candidates discuss issues.

“Debates are an important part of democracy,” he said.

The debate, which takes place Friday, Oct. 14, in Savannah, is the first and currently only debate agreed upon by both candidates. 

The incumbent senator said he will let his opponent speak for himself on respective issues. 

“There’s a sharp contrast between me and my opponent,” Warnock said.

Warnock said his life-long passion for public service has made his work as a U.S. senator an “incredible thing”.

“This is a dream job,” he said.

The last day to register to vote is Tuesday, Oct.  11.

Early voting begins Sunday, Oct. 16. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Contact Rakiyah Lenon at rlenon@augusta.edu.