Election qualifying in Richmond County began on March 7 and ended at noon March 11.
During the qualifying week, 28 people ponied up their election fees and are now officially running for offices ranging from mayor and commission to the several judicial seats that are open.
Former Tax Commissioner Steven Kendrick paid his qualifying fee to run for mayor and then sent off a letter to Gov. Brian Kemp resigning his post. Kendrick joins former commissioner Marion Williams, school board trustee Charlie Hannah, retired educator Lori Myles, school board trustee A.K. Hasan, tax professional Robert Ingham, businessman Garnett Johnson, Thermal Ceramics employee Lucas Johnson and securities broker Donald Bradshaw in the mayoral race.
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Four commission seats are contested. Incumbent Commissioner John Clarke who holds the District 10 seat will face two opponents, former commissioner Wayne Guilfoyle and Robert Cooks. Recently appointed District 4 Commissioner Al Mason is being challenged by Betty Reece.
The largest field of candidates for commission is in District 2 where Leroy Crew, Charles Cummings, Cleveland Garrison, Ralph Gunter Sr., Von Pouncey and Stacey Pulliam are all vying for the seat held by the term-limited Dennis Williams.
Meanwhile, Jeremy Johnson, Tony Lewis and Mario Taylor Sr. are all officially in the race for District 6 to replace Ben Hasan, who also cannot run due to term limits.
District 8 Commissioner Brandon Garrett is running unopposed.
Election day for all those qualified is set for May 24.
Scott Hudson is the senior reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
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