There are 14 people now running for five Augusta Commission seats going on the May 21 nonpartisan ballot. Columbia County has fewer contested local elections, but has numerous candidates running for open state House seats.
By the end of qualifying Friday, the District 1 election for the Augusta Commission had grown to five contenders, making a runoff highly likely. They are:
- GOP activist Kenny Osorio
- Incumbent and Democratic party leader Jordan Johnson
- Former commissioner and realtor Matt Aitken
- Downtown activist Kevin de l’Aigle
- Former candidate Jo’Rae Jenkins
Early voting in the May 21 primary and nonpartisan election starts April 29. Voters will also decide a referendum on whether to give Augusta’s mayor a vote on all commission actions in that election.
The District 3 Augusta Commission post held by Catherine Smith McKnight has three hopefuls:
- Catherine Smith McKnight
- Dentist Joidaz Gaines
- Retired educator and trichologist Carol J. Yancy
In District 5, incumbent Varden “Bobby” Williams has a single opponent in former Forces United deputy director Donald “DC” Clark.
In District 7, the Augusta Commission seat held by term-limited Sean Frantom has two hopefuls:
- VA physician Marshall Bedder
- Office manager Tina Slendak
Super District 9 Commissioner Francine Scott faces opposition May 21 from former four-term commissioner Marion Williams.
Sheriff Richard Roundtree has two opponents in the May 21 Democratic primary: They are veteran lawmen Eugene “Gino Rock” Brantley and retired Federal Air Marshal Bo Johnson. Retired law enforcement educator Richard Dixon is gathering signatures to appear on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.
The nonpartisan Augusta Circuit Superior Court judgeship held by retiring Chief Judge Daniel J. Craig has attracted three contenders:
- Attorney and former candidate Charles Lyons
- Chief Juvenile Court Judge Willie Saunders
- Attorney and former state court prosecutor Matt Matson
Richmond County State Court judges Kellie Kenner McIntyre and Robert “Bo” Hunter avoided attracting opposition in the May 21 nonpartisan election.
Presiding Civil and Magistrate Court Judge LeJoi Williamson also evaded a challenge in the Democratic primary. Nonpartisan Richmond County Marshal of Civil and Magistrate Court Ramone Lamkin is not opposed.
In the Richmond County Democratic primary contests, Clerk of Court Hattie Holmes Sullivan, Tax Commissioner T. Chris Johnson, Coroner Mark Bowen and Solicitor General Omeeka P. Loggins have no opposition, nor do Stacy Johnson, the only candidate to run for judge of Richmond County Probate Court.
Columbia County Republican Primary and nonpartisan qualifying
Local races in Columbia County had only one Democrat sign up for a local race. She’s Helen Bratton, who is running against Republican Terry Norman for the open position of Columbia County Coroner.
Columbia County Judge of Probate Court Alice Wheatley Padgett has no opposition, nor do Clerk of Superior Court Cindy Mason, Sheriff Clay Whittle, Tax Commissioner Wayne Bridges and Chief Magistrate Jason Troiano.
In the running for District 3 on the Columbia County Commission – the post given up by Gary Richardson when he ran for state House – are business owner Michael Carraway, the husband of former schools superintendent Sandra Carraway, and executive chef Rickey Merideth. Both are running as Republicans.
Qualifying to run for the District 2 seat on the Columbia County Commission held by Don Skinner are former commissioner Trey Allen and Mark E. Petersen, who works in the retail hardware business.
Incumbent David Dekle is unopposed for reelection as nonpartisan chair of the Columbia County School District. Business owner Phillip Kent Jr. is unopposed for the District 1 post held by David Alalof, who is retiring.
District 4 board member Lee Ann Meyer is being challenged by activist mom Katie Allen.
