The state legislature is out of session, Georgia’s Capitol isn’t humming as it was several weeks ago and most politicians have returned to their districts. However, reporters, pundits, party leadership and special election candidates are gearing up following the announcement of eight vacant seats and party leadership changes.
On May 11, State Rep. Jon Burns (R-Newington), a member of House Speaker David Ralston’s leadership team, was elected to serve as House Majority Leader. Burns defeated contender Rep. Allen Peak (R-Macon) for the position vacated by Larry O’Neal (R-Bonaire) who left the Legislature to accept a judicial appointment by Gov. Nathan Deal.
“I am proud to congratulate Rep. Jon Burns on his election as Majority Leader,” said Speaker Ralston in a statement following the election. “Jon is a great asset to our leadership team and I know he will serve our members well in this important role. The Republican caucus is fortunate to have a deep bench of talented leaders and I know Rep. Allen Peake will continue to help us move our caucus and this state forward.”
In addition to the change in leadership, as of June 2015, eight seats have been vacated in both chambers. According to state law, if there is a vacancy in the Georgia legislature, the vacant seat must be filled by a special election, which will take place on July 14 and July 16.
Georgia Forestry Association members in the following districts where special elections are being held are encouraged to vote and continue to engage in the political process. For more information on the special elections, to register to vote or view results and statistics, visit http://www.sos.ga.gov.
July 14, 2015 Special Election
House District 48
This seat is vacant following Harry Geisinger’s (R) death on May 1, 2015. Qualified candidates for the special election include:
- James W. Johnson (D), a pharmacy inventory service manager from Roswell;
- Dave McCleary (R), a small business owner from Roswell; and
- Betty Price (R), wife of Georgia Congressman Tom Price and member of the Roswell City Council
House District 80
This seat is vacant following Mike Jacobs’ (R) appointment to a judgeship in DeKalb County. Qualified candidates for the special election include:
- Taylor J Bennett (D), an attorney from Brookhaven;
- Catherine S. Bernard (R), an attorney from Brookhaven;
- Loren Collins (R), an attorney from Atlanta; and
- J Max Davis (R), an attorney and small business owner from Brookhaven
House District 146
This seat is vacant following Larry O’Neal’s (R) resignation to become the chief judge on the Georgia Tax Tribunal. Qualified candidates for the special election include:
- Shaw Blackmon (R), President of National Bank Products from Warner Robins;
- Kelly Burke (R), an attorney from Warner Robins; and
- Larry Walker (R), an insurance agent from Perry
House District 155
This seat is vacant following Jay Roberts’ (R) appointment to planning director of the state Department of Transportation. Qualified candidates for the special election include:
- Scott Lowell Downing (R), Executive Vice President of Lowell Packing Company from Fitzgerald;
- Horace Hudgins (R), retired Georgia Power manager from Ocilla;
- Sherry Miley (R), a real estate agent from Tifton; and
- Clay Pirkle (R), a farmer from Sycamore
July 16, 2015 Special Election
House District 24
The seat is vacant following Mark Hamilton’s (R) resignation on May 11, 2015. Qualified candidates for the special election include:
- Sheri Smallwood Gilligan (R), an adjunct instructor from Cumming;
- William Mckinley Kremer (R), a 21 year-old insurance agent from Cumming;
- Ethan Underwood (R), an attorney from Cumming; and
- David M. Van Sant (R), an attorney from Cumming
House District 55
This seat is vacant following Tyrone Brooks’s (D) resignation on April 9, 2015. Qualified candidates for the special election include:
- Tyrone Brooks Jr. (D), an entrepreneur;
- Alysia Brown (D), a project manager;
- Mike Fitzgerald (D), a small business owner from Atlanta;
- John Guest, an interior designer;
- Marie Robinson Metze (D), a retired educator and community organizer;
- Raghu R. Raju (D), an attorney and small business owner from Atlanta; and
- Shelitha Robertson (D), an attorney from Atlanta