A few new faces turned up on the first day of qualifying Monday in Augusta’s May 21 general primary and nonpartisan election.
District 1 on The Augusta Commission could be a four-way race with the appearance Monday by incumbent Jordan Johnson and newcomer Kenny Osorio, both of whom filed qualifying paperwork.
They are expected to be joined by former District 1 commissioner Matt Aitken and downtown activist Kevin de l’Aigle, who haven’t qualified yet.
“The people of this district deserve representation that is beyond silly politics, that is beyond the typical stagnation they’ve gotten over the last few decades,” Johnson said at an impromptu news conference.
Other previously unannounced candidates to qualify Monday include dentist Joidaz Gaines, who qualified to run for Augusta Commission District 3.
He’ll be challenging District 3 incumbent Catherine Smith McKnight, who also qualified Monday to run for a second term.
In District 5, incumbent Bobby Williams qualified. He’s expected to be opposed by retired Army communications chief Don Clark, as well as newcomer Nijel Jackson. Both have filed declarations of intent to run.
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In District 7, physician Marshall Bedder qualified to run. The VA addiction and pain medicine specialist is expected to have opposition from Tina Slendak, office manager for the Cheatham Fletcher Scott architecture firm.
Augusta Circuit District Attorney Jared Williams qualified to run for a second term in the May 21 Democratic primary. He’s expected to draw opposition from Amber Brantley, an assistant district attorney for the Columbia County Judicial Circuit who lives in Hephzibah.
Superior Court Judge John Flythe qualified to run for another term.
Lawyer Charles Lyons qualified to run for the superior court judgeship held by Daniel J. Craig, who is retiring at the end of the year.
Solicitor General Omeeka Loggins and Clerk of Courts Hattie Holmes Sullivan each qualified to run for another term.
Ramone Lamkin qualified to run again for Richmond County Marshal, the nonpartisan position he first won in 2016. He’s expected to have opposition from Richmond County Sheriff’s Sgt. Troy Moses, who recently filed a notice of his intent.
Robert “Bo” Hunter qualified to keep the Richmond County state court judgeship he’s held since 2022, as did Kellie Kenner McIntyre, for the state court judgeship she’s held since 2016.
Susan McCord is a staff writer with The Augusta Press. Reach her at susan@theaugustapress.com
