In a district within western Georgia’s State Senate and a State House seat in the vicinity of Augusta, voters are heading to the polls this Tuesday to elect successors for recently resigned lawmakers.
In State Senate District 30, the departure of Republican Mike Dugan, who stepped down to pursue a Congressional seat, has triggered a competitive race.
Among the Republican contenders vying to fill his shoes are former State Representative Tim Bearden from Carrollton, real estate agent Renae Bell hailing from Tallapoosa, and consultant Robert “Bob” Smith. The solitary Democratic candidate in the running is Ashley Kecskes Godwin from Carrollton.
Voters (Credits: National Geographic Society)
Encompassing the entirety of Haralson County and sections of Carroll, Douglas, and Paulding counties, this district is a focal point for the impending electoral decision.
Tim Bearden, having previously served four terms in the state House, transitioned to the position of director at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center following an appointment by former Governor Nathan Deal.
Currently employed as the government affairs manager for a billboard company, Bearden faces competition from Renae Bell, a real estate agent and former chair of the Greater Haralson Chamber of Commerce, who is married to Haralson County school Superintendent Jerry Bell.
Shifting focus to State House District 125, the vacancy created by the departure of Representative Barry Fleming, who assumed the role of a superior court judge, has set the stage for another engaging contest.
Republican hopefuls include conservative commentator C.J. Pearson from Grovetown, Gary Richardson, a Columbia County Commissioner and owner of a car wash in Evans, and farmer James Steed from Grovetown.
The ballot also features Democrat Kay Turner, a Grovetown cosmetologist, and Libertarian John Turpish, a software developer from Grovetown. Encompassing portions of Columbia and McDuffie counties, this district is a focal point for political decisions.
The House race has evolved into a showdown primarily between Pearson and Richardson. Overcoming a residency challenge, Pearson has secured endorsements from staunch conservatives, running a campaign aligned with Trump’s principles.
The 21-year-old Pearson faced opposition from Governor Brian Kemp’s political organization, stemming from his involvement in managing the primary campaign of Kemp’s challenger, Vernon Jones, in 2022.
On the other hand, Richardson, who cannot seek re-election for county commission due to term limits, adopts a more subdued campaign strategy, emphasizing his extensive experience in public service.
In this election, candidates from all political affiliations share a common ballot. If none of the candidates secures a majority, the top two contenders will advance to a runoff scheduled for March 12, coinciding with Georgia’s presidential primary.
The political landscape is poised for change, and the outcome of these elections will significantly shape the future trajectory of both districts.
