Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections for April 28, 2025

On April 28, 1776, Colonel Lachlan McIntosh wrote from Savannah to General George Washington.

he concluded his letter with the report that because the South had limited manufacturing capability, the price of needed goods was two or three times higher than in the North, making procurement of clothing and arms for the new recruits difficult.

This last tidbit would prove prescient as lack of manufacturing proved an insuperable problem for the Confederacy. On May 16, 1777, McIntosh dueled against Button Gwinnett, scoring a fatal wound against one of Georgia’s signers of the Declaration of Independence. McIntosh was acquitted at trial but forced to leave Georgia and eventually served under Washington at Valley Forge.

In 1787, McIntosh was a Commissioner representing Georgia in a series of three boundary disputes with South Carolina, two which were resolved on April 28, 1787 with the Convention of Beaufort.

On April 28, 2014, the earliest ever Primary Elections in Georgia began, as in-person early voting started across the state.

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

Georgia Rivers will host “Kayaking 101” classes at a number of locations on May 17, 2025. From AccessWDUN:

Georgia Rivers and partners are hosting low-cost kayaking and water safety instruction classes before Memorial Day weekend.

Citizens in Northeast Georgia can participate at the nearest location near Shady Grove Campground in Cumming. The classes will cost just $15 per person, including a free kayak rental for anyone who signs up for it at registration.

The classes are possible because of Georgia volunteers who are nationally certified with the American Canoe Association to give paddling and rescue training, and are supported by experienced safety teams.

To find out more about  Kayaking 101, National Safe Boating Week, and the partners making the kayak instruction classes possible, click here.

From Georgia Rivers:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Allatoona Lake are joining Georgia Rivers and other Georgia partners to offer low-cost kayaking instruction at multiple locations across Georgia on Saturday, May 17. The event is in celebration of National Safe Boating Week, which begins the same day. Other marquee partners include Georgia Power Company, Trust for Public Lands, Forsyth County Parks and Recreation, and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.

“We are thrilled to bring this event to the paddlers of Georgia for the second year in a row,” said Ranger Rusty Simmons, Chief Ranger of Park Operations at Allatoona Lake. “Bringing together this many ACA instructor volunteers to share their expertise with beginners is a very powerful way to start the summer season. We’re having fun but also emphasizing the safety habits that will make it fun for a lifetime!”

In 2024, this event trained 471 students in 43 simultaneous Kayaking 101 classes across Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Florida and Missouri.  These classes were led by nationally certified ACA instructor volunteers and attracted beginner kayakers who are most statistically at risk for preventable accidents. In recognition of this volunteer-led effort that is changing the trajectory of paddlesports fatalities at a grassroots level, the National Safe Boating Council recognized the Kayaking 101 partnership with the 2024 IBWSS Communications Community Impact Award.

“Our instructor volunteers are energized to help the beginner paddlers get off on the right foot,” said ACA Southeastern Chair and Georgia Rivers employee Andrea White. “Just one day of training can make the difference between setting yourself up for a bad experience that ruins the sport for you versus setting yourself up for a whole lifetime of paddling fun.”

Participating locations in Georgia for this event include:

Allatoona Lake, Old Hwy 41 #2 Day Use Area, 6693 North Main Street, Acworth, GA
Allatoona Lake, Kellogg Creek Day Use Area, 2077 Kellogg Creek Road, Acworth, GA
Chattahoochee River, Chattahoochee Hills RiverLands Park, 8661 Campbellton Redwine Rd., Chattahoochee Hills, GA
Lake Oconee, Lawrence Shoals Campground, 123 Lawrence Shoals Rd, Eatonton, GA
Skidaway Island, Rodney Hall Boat Ramp, 25 Diamond Causeway, Savannah, GA
Lake Lanier, Shady Grove Campground, 7800 Allyn Lane Memorial , Cumming, GA
All classes will be held on Saturday, May 17 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, rain or shine.

Classes cost $15 per person,  including a free kayak rental for anyone who signs up for it at registration; in return, participants receive training that often retails for $75-$150. All instructors are Georgia volunteers who are nationally certified to give paddling and rescue training and are supported by experienced safety teams.

Each location will be limited to 15 students. A limited number of kayaks, paddles, and life jackets will be available as a free rental during registration. These classes are made available by certified instructor volunteers, safety boaters and equipment donations from many organizations coming together to help their fellow paddlers across Georgia.

In addition to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Allatoona Lake and Georgia Rivers these organizations include: US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Georgia Power Company, Trust for Public Lands, Forsyth County Parks and Recreation, NOC Chattahoochee Outpost, City of Chattahoochee Hills, Moon River Kayak Tours, Middle Georgia Kayaking, Miller Kayak Trips and Training, Georgia Canoeing Association, and the instructors of ACA Georgia.

Interested paddlers can register at this link. In-person spaces are limited to the first 15 registrants. A free ACA online class is also available; however, in-person training with a certified instructor is strongly encouraged. The ACA is the national accrediting body for paddlesports education.

Several Georgia Republican Party Congressional District Conventions passed resolutions to continue the in-fighting denounce elected state officials, according to the AJC.

Several GOP districts passed resolutions urging the state party to block Raffensperger and House Speaker Jon Burns from qualifying to run as Republicans. The latest included the 3rd District GOP, whose activists voted this weekend to endorse the push.

The resolutions, of course, are purely symbolic as such an attempt would be illegal. But they underscore ongoing efforts by hard-line activists to punish Republican elected officials not deemed sufficiently loyal to the president and his causes.

The backlash to Burns, who took the speaker’s gavel in 2023, is newer. Some activists accuse him of spurning MAGA priorities, even though his chamber embraced many controversial culture wars legislation this session.

Others are still sore over Burns’ squabble with state Sen. Colton Moore of Trenton, an ultraconservative Republican who was arrested after defying a ban on entering the Georgia House chamber.

A Burns spokesperson dismissed the move as “political theater.”

“Speaker Burns has served with dignity and integrity for over two decades, and when it comes to winning elections, his record speaks for itself,” the Burns aide said. “He will continue to deliver historic conservative results for the people he answers to — the voters of the 159th district and the people of the state of Georgia.”

Kemp, who was booed at the 2021 state GOP convention, went on a year later to trounce former U.S. Sen. David Perdue, a Trump-backed candidate, in the GOP primary for governor.

And Raffensperger scored a runaway victory against another MAGA favorite, then-U.S. Rep. Jody Hice, in the same primary.

United States Secretary of Veteran Affairs Doug Collins will deliver the commencement address at Piedmont University on May 9, 2025, according to AccessWDUN.

Collins will speak at 9:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. at the Johnny Mize Athletic Center & Museum on the Demorest campus.

A longtime citizen of Gainesville, Collins earned a degree in political science and criminal justice from the University of North Georgia, and a masters degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. In 2006, he was elected to serve Georgia’s 27th State House District.

“We are deeply honored to welcome Secretary Collins,” Marshall M. Criser. III, President of Piedmont University, said. “His commitment to service and leadership is an example we hope will inspire our graduates as they move forward into their own careers.”

Dougherty County District 3 Commissioner Clinton Johnson was sworn in as President of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, according to WALB.

On Saturday, April 26, Dougherty County District 3 Commissioner Clinton Johnson was recently sworn in as the president of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG).

The swearing in happened during the 2025 Annual Conference in Savannah, according to a Facebook post by Dougherty County.

“I believe in custom solutions. And I believe in all of us — together,” Johnson said. “This presidency isn’t about me. It’s about ‘Georgia First — 159 Strong.’ Let’s lead with courage, serve with integrity, and rise together to meet the moment. Let’s not be afraid to think big, to act boldly, to lead with conviction — because Georgia is counting on us.”

ACCG, Georgia’s county association, works on behalf of county officials and their communities, advancing initiatives that strengthen all 159 counties across the state.

The Georgia Association of Black County Officials hosted an annual brunch in Savannah, according to WTOC.

GABCO works to advocate on behalf of underserved communities in Georgia.

“Often times, as African American leaders, we tend to go fast to the other side without entertaining – are there any other black companies, minority owned and women owned companies, that can do the same kind of work,” said GABCO Vice President, Oz Nesbitt.

Whitfield County elections supervisor Shaynee Bryson said the county will be ready for the next elections, according to the Dalton Daily Citizen.

In 2024, Georgia lawmakers banned the use of quick reaction (QR) codes on election ballots effective July 1, 2026. The Legislature was expected to approve funding for the move this year, but the session ended without that happening.

However, Whitfield County Supervisor of Elections Shaynee Bryson said she is confident lawmakers will act to implement the change during the 2026 legislative session.

This year, Senate Bill 214 proposed the use of an on-demand ballot printing system, where ballots would be printed for each voter, marked by hand, and then tabulated using an optical scanner. However, that bill did not advance past the Senate. As a result, the legislature approved no funds for the change.

“Removing QR codes from ballots will require either a software update to the current voting system or the implementation of an entirely new system,” said Bryson. “Local election officials would then be responsible for learning the changes, updating procedures, and training both poll workers and voters accordingly. While the General Assembly did not pass legislation this year mandating a new voting system, we trust that any future decisions made at the state level will aim to enhance the voting process in Georgia.”

Bryson said any new voting equipment would be funded through the state budget, not local government, but the county may have to add more staff or resources to implement any changes in the process.

“Looking ahead to 2026, we anticipate a higher need for poll workers due to the number of local and state offices on the ballot,” she said. “However, without details on potential changes to the voting system, it’s too early to determine whether additional staffing or other resources will be necessary to support implementation.”

“Adapting to new systems is a challenge that election officials are prepared to meet,” said Bryson. “In elections, change is constant, and we remain committed to carrying out our responsibilities in accordance with state law. The Whitfield County Board of Elections trusts that the state will carefully consider the impacts of any proposed changes and make decisions in the best interest of voters.”

Bryson noted that in Whitfield County, the election office is not open to accept ballots on the weekend before Election Day due to low demand.

“Additionally, current law requires that drop boxes be accessible only during advanced voting hours, which does not include the weekend before Election Day in our jurisdiction,” she said. “Regarding Saturday voting, allowing flexibility for smaller elections with historically low turnout could help reduce costs for counties and municipalities. However, Saturday voting remains an important option for major state and federal elections, especially for voters who are unable to cast their ballots during weekday hours. We will follow the guidance set by lawmakers as they evaluate how best to serve Georgia voters moving forward.”

Effingham County Public Schools is now using weapons detectors at all high schools, according to the Savannah Morning News.

OPENGATE was implemented at all high school campuses. The move was made to enhance security measures.

The technology consists of portable detectors that alert recognition of metallic weapons.

“This technology represents not only an investment in equipment, but in peace of mind — for students, families and our school communities,” said Effingham County Superintendent Yancy Ford.

“As Superintendent of Effingham County Schools, one of my most important responsibilities is ensuring the safety and well-being of every student and staff member in our district,” said Ford. “These systems are designed to provide advanced, efficient detection of weapons and potential threats while allowing students to move through entrances quickly and without unnecessary delays.”

According to Ford, each OPENGATE unit costs approximately $25,000, depending on the location and configuration. The detectors will be placed at all primary and visitor entrances, as well as bus ramps. All together, the new weapon-detecting units will cost $150,000, which the school system plans to pay for with grant and ESPLOST funds.

“The initial investment is significant, but it is an essential step in reinforcing school safety with reliable and modern technology,” said Ford. “Our goal is to ensure full coverage during the school day, while also considering placement and usage for after-school events and large gatherings when appropriate.”

The district is looking to expand OPENGATE to its middle and elementary schools this summer. The district continues to utilize other measures, such as school resources officers and surveillance cameras.

Guyton Police Department has only two officers, according to the Savannah Morning News.

“It’s been tough but we’re maintaining,” said [Guyton Police Chief Kelphie] Lundy. “We are holding on. We’re not going to let it stop the progression of the department. We’re going to keep on moving forward.”

Joseph Coppola, who was serving as lieutenant, was terminated Dec. 20. He was charged with one count of perjury in March.

Then, Officer Bernard Smalls was terminated in December for a number of infractions, including insubordination and lack of accountability.

The culmination of officers being terminated and a small pool of applicants to choose from has put the department in a bind. Lundy said that while the police academy certainly serves its purpose, the 6-month timeframe for training means local police departments have to wait months before a new set of officers are ready to join the force. Starting pay for a police officer in Guyton is $23.05 per hour.

“Trying to get good, qualified people in is just so hard right now,” said Lundy. “We have several applicants but it’s just the process of going through them and vetting out the ones that have a good work ethic and history and we’ll move forward with them, but until then, we have to go through the process.”

Dalton will begin issuing speed camera tickets, according to the Daily Citizen.

The initial warning period for speed cameras in two Dalton school zones will end next week, and the system will begin to issue citations on Tuesday, April 29. The Dalton Police Department began an automated speed enforcement program last month in the school zones for Dalton High School and Roan Street School. The program began with a one-month phase, during which only warnings were issued to speeding drivers.

The cameras are operational only during the morning and afternoon pick-up/drop-off periods when the school zone speed limits are in effect and school zone speed limit signs are flashing. The cameras only operate on days when schools are in session.

In the Dalton High School zone, they are active from 6:31-7:30 a.m. and from 2:16-3:15 p.m.

In the Roan Street School zone, they are active from 7:31-8:30 a.m. and from 3:26-4:25 p.m.

The school zone speed limit in both zones is 30 miles per hour. Beginning April 29, citations will be issued to motorists driving at 10-plus miles per hour over the limit.

The citations issued using the camera system are civil in nature and carry a $100 fee for the first offense ($75 fine plus a $25 processing charge), but do not come with points against the associated drivers’ license or insurance penalties. The second and subsequent violations carry a $150 fee ($125 fine plus a $25 processing) but similarly do not incur points against drivers’ licenses or insurance penalties.

Members of the Glynn County Board of Education interviewed two candidates for appointment to fill a vacancy, according to The Brunswick News.

School board members quizzed two candidates to fill the seat of suspended District 5 representative Audrey Gibbons Friday and intend to vote on an appointee next month.

The two candidates are Brad Brown, vice president of Southeastern Bank’s Brunswick branch, and Reggie Jackson, resident services director at the Brunswick Housing Authority. A third candidate, Marianne Stonefield, was disqualified due to an issue with her voter registration, said School Board Chairman Hank Yeargan.

Gibbons, the only Democrat on the board, was suspended in February by Gov. Brian Kemp two months after she was accused by a U.S. District Court in Delaware of involvement in a wire fraud, money laundering and extortion scheme.

Clarke County Board of Education members will consider naming Jennifer Scott interim superintendent upon the retirement of the current super, according to the Athens Banner Herald.

She would serve from July 1 through June 30, 2026, according to the school district.

“Over the next year, the board will conduct a rigorous search to fill the superintendent position on a permanent basis,” the school district reported.

[Superintendent Robbie] Hooker announced in March he is retiring from the position he accepted in 2022.

Georgia’s shrimp industry faces challenges from abroad and from disease, according to the Savannah Morning News.

“The shrimp industry in Georgia is…really declining,” said Marc Frischer, a professor at the University of Georgia’s Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. “We’re actually at risk of losing it.”

Only a couple hundred active shrimp boats remain in Georgia, compared to more than a thousand a few decades ago. Shrimpers in other south Atlantic states and the Gulf of Mexico are similarly struggling to compete with foreign imports.

In an effort to boost the industry in Georgia, Republican Jesse Petrea, a state representative from Savannah, sponsored a bill in the state legislature this year to require restaurants to disclose the origin of their shrimp.

“You got pictures of shrimp boats on the wall, and you’re serving Indian shrimp,” Petrea said. “Some people would say, ‘Well, but they’re cheap.’ They are, but at what cost?”

“I’ll pay a little more for domestic shrimp, and we all should recognize we have to pay a little more,” he said.

Petrea’s legislation didn’t pass this year, but he said he plans to bring it back next year. Alabama passed a similar law last year, and Louisiana and Mississippi already have shrimp labeling requirements.

“There’s a lot of packing houses closing down,” said Charlie Phillips, who owns a seafood packing operation and a restaurant in Townsend, Georgia.

And packers often control the docks. “A lot of the shrimpers are losing dock access. They don’t have a place to unload,” Phillips said.

Phillips doesn’t handle shrimp anymore, because just like shrimp boats, packing houses struggle to compete with cheaper imports.

Some in the industry are hoping that the Trump administration’s new tariffs will help by driving up the price of imported shrimp, but Phillips is skeptical.

On top of the financial challenges, shrimpers have faced a shrimp medical mystery for decades.

Shrimpers started reporting dark discoloration in shrimp gills in the ’90s. The condition came to be known as black gill and was soon prevalent from the Gulf to the Chesapeake Bay. The disease’s rise coincided with a sharp decline in shrimp catch numbers in Georgia, raising concerns that the two were linked.

The condition is caused by a type of microorganism commonly found in water known as a ciliate, which Frischer said has probably always been there. But as climate change shifted ocean conditions, it gave rise to the new disease. That’s likely to happen over and over as the climate continues changing, he said.

“What’s happened in the shrimp here, black gill, we’re going to see a lot more stories like that in many, many more species,” Frischer said.

United States Representative Buddy Carter (R-SSI) is backing federal legislation to help the domestic shrimp industry, according to The Brunswick News.

U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter, R-1, says he is fully behind a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that would prevent American tax dollars from supporting foreign shrimpers.

The Save Our Shrimpers Act was introduced by U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas.

Carter is calling on Congress to quickly vote on the bill, which would codify some of the programs President Donald Trump has made to protect the shrimping industry.

“This important piece of legislation will prohibit any U.S. taxpayer funds from being used by international financial institutions to finance any foreign shrimp farming, processing or exporting,” the Coastal Georgia Republican said. “Frankly, this is common sense. Our taxpayer dollars should benefit us here at home, not help put our shrimpers out of business.”

“We are literally paying for our own jobs to be wiped away, and it must end.”

Commercial shrimpers have been complaining for years about foreign dumping since the passage of free trade agreements in the 1980s by Congress. Many have already abandoned their fishing boats.

Carter said the bill authored by Nehls would require the U.S. Government Accountability Office to produce a written report on whether the act is being followed.

“Not only is the price of foreign shrimp artificially lowered to undercut domestic producers, but it is also harvested in an unsustainable way, making it a product that is more harmful to the environment and personal health than its American-sourced equivalent,” Carter said. “In fact, the price manipulation has gotten so bad that shrimpers can’t even cover the cost of their fishing trip with the profits from their harvest.”

Carter said the nation’s commercial fishing industry is exactly what the president had in mind by the placement of tariffs on imports.

“These are the kinds of inequities that President Trump is seeking to address through his tariff policies, and we are already seeing results from his America First leadership,” Carter said. “For the first time in a long time, domestic shrimpers are able to compete on a level playing field, and with a superior product, this vital industry for our coast is stronger than ever.”