The administrative law judge ruled on Feb.9 that Republican challenger for the Georgia House District 125 seat, C.J. Pearson, is qualified to run in the state of Georgia.
Pearson is one of four candidates vying for the seat, which was vacated by Barry Fleming after he was appointed to Columbia County Superior Court.
Judge Stephanie Howells wrote in her final opinion, “Considering all the evidence the undersigned concludes the respondent has proved by a preponderance of evidence that his domicile is and has been 1519 Baldwin Lakes Drive.”
Grovetown resident Addie Carter filed the complaint in January stating it was her belief that Pearson did not meet the residency requirements to run for the General Assembly seat.
MORE: Hearing to review Pearson residency held
According to Carter, she heard rumors about the candidate’s residency and decided to investigate the matter herself and said she believed that Pearson may not be qualified to run.
“My concern is that if he’s elected, the Democratic party would challenge his candidacy, and we would lose a representative for our District and have to re-run the election. I am undecided on who I am supporting, I just want to ensure our district will have representation in Atlanta for the next legislative session,” Carter’s statement reads in part.
However, in the hearing that took place Feb. 5, Carter was not able to provide any documentary evidence other than screenshots that are not admissible in court.
MORE: Two sentenced to life in Augusta gang slaying
Pearson provided the court with his tax information showing that he has always paid Georgia taxes and that he once paid California taxes as a “nonresident.” Evidence also proved that Pearson has always held a Georgia drivers license and never has applied for a license in any other state.
“My ‘Never Trump’ opponents attempted to do to me the same thing the Left has done to President Trump: kick me off the ballot by challenging my eligibility to run under false pretenses. Similarly, they failed when a judge dismissed their challenge!” Pearson said.
One of Pearson’s opponents, Gary Richardson, says he hopes the candidates can move forward and focus on the issues.
“The court has found that his residency is legit. We don’t know how many nights he has actually slept in his bed here, but the ruling says that he lives here,” Richardson said.
Early voting is currently underway for the upcoming Feb. 13 election.
Scott Hudson is the Senior Investigative Reporter and Editorial Page Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
