ATLANTA — The Democratic and Republican candidates who led the May 20 primaries for state superintendent of schools announced this week they have garnered a growing list of endorsements.
Mike Buck, who had the most votes in the nine-way GOP primary, and Valarie Wilson, the top vote getter in the seven-woman Democratic contest, issued the lists from their separate campaigns Tuesday.
Buck, the top assistant to current Superintendent John Barge, had already gotten the backing of two of his primary opponents, Kira Willis and Allen Fort, since all three are career public-school educators. His latest announced endorsements came from a pair of retired local superintendents, seven local Carroll County officials like Carrollton Mayor Wayne Garner and Sen. Jeff Mullis of Chickamauga, chair of the Senate Rules Committee.
“As we approach the runoff, we will need the continued prayers, support, and encouragement that all of you have given to date. None of this success would be possible without the hard work of an outstanding team and your efforts to get our message out,” Buck told supporters.
Buck is facing Richard Woods in the GOP runoff.
Wilson, who has already been endorsed by the Georgia Association of Educators and the AFL-CIO, announced Tuesday the backing of 24 Democratic legislators from across the state, which is noteworthy because her opponent is also a legislator. The list includes Rep. Mickey Stephens of Savannah, Rep. Gloria Frazier of Hephzibah and Rep. Wayne Howard of Augusta.
“The most important thing we can do to improve educational outcomes is to have in place the right leadership. In order for Georgia to have economic success, we must first create educational success of our children. I believe Valarie Wilson is the right leader to ensure educational success for Georgia’s children,” said Rep. Carolyn Hugley of Columbus, whip of the House Democratic Caucus.
Wilson is facing Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan in the runoff. The winners of the two runoffs will face each other in the November general election.
Follow Walter Jones on Twitter @MorrisNews and Facebook or contact him at walter.jones@morris.com.
