Qualifying for the 2026 election cycle has ended. A few incumbents are running unopposed, a few others have opposition, one incumbent decided not to run, and one race didn’t have anyone qualify at all.
Two county commission races are on the ballot – Districts 1 and 3. Neither incumbent in those elections, George McIver (District 1) and AJ Dovers (District 3), have any opposition.
The Board of Education elections are a different story. There will be at least one new BOE member and the other two on the ballot will have opposition. District 1 incumbent Leola Johnson did not qualify. Tabitha Paulk was the lone candidate to qualify in that race; on January 1, 2027, she will become the new District 1 Board of Education member. In District 2, incumbent Jesse Jowers will face Richard Denning Jr. District 4 will see incumbent Bryan Preston and Anthony Davis vying for the seat.
The Solicitor is also on the 2026 ballot. However, no one qualified for that election. Incumbent Jared Roberts attempted to qualify after the noon deadline but was no allowed to qualify. Monday, the elections office will re-open qualifying for the Solicitor race.
In the state races, Rep. Angie O’Steen (incumbent) does not have any opposition.
Multiple candidates from both parties have qualified for the State Senate District 19 race. A portion of Coffee County is in District 19 and there is one local candidate seeking the seat. Blake Tillery has held that seat for several terms; however, he is running for lieutenant governor, leaving the Senate seat open this election cycle.
On the Republican side, David Sikes of Cobbtown, Travis Hodges of Toombs County, and retired Superior Court Judge Dwayne Gillis of Douglas all qualified. On the Democratic ballot are Eduardo Noel Deldgado of Toombs County and Joshua C. Wilkerson of Appling County.
The general primary/non-partisan election will be held on May 19 with a runoff, if necessary, taking place on June 16. The general election will take place on November 3 with the runoff, if necessary, being held on December 1.
