The state’s legislative elections aren’t over just yet. On January 9th, there are two special elections to fill two vacant seats— one in the state Senate and one in the House of Representatives. Former Rep. Brian Strickland, R-McDonough, left his House seat to run for the District 17 Senate seat left open by the resignation of incumbent Rick Jeffares. That district covers parts of Henry, Newton and Rockdale counties.
Running against the conservative Strickland are retired civil engineer Ed Toney; Nelva Lee, a business owner; and a liberal activist/pastor Phyllis Hatcher.
For the Strickland’s former House seat, the GOP frontrunner is general contractor Geoffrey Cauble (who recently received a state Chamber of Commerce endorsement). Cauble’s website details specific legislative goals, whereas the other candidates at this point seem to be running under the radar. Cauble is challenged by real estate developer Larry Morey; Tarji Dunn, another real estate broker; and Democrat El-Mahdi Holly.
If neither candidate receives a majority of the votes in the January 9th balloting, a runoff election would be held on Feb. 6.
