In a surprising turn for Georgia politics, former state Senator John Kennedy has resigned from his Middle Georgia seat to chase a bigger role as lieutenant governor. This move has sparked a special election with six hopefuls stepping up, including five Republicans and one Democrat, all set to compete in Senate District 18 early next year.
The district covers Crawford, Monroe, Peach, and Upson counties, plus parts of Bibb and Houston counties. Kennedy, a Macon Republican, held the spot since 2014 and rose to become Senate president pro tempore, the chamber’s number two leader. His exit opens the door for new voices in a region known for its mix of rural communities and growing suburbs.
Why Kennedy Left and What It Means
Kennedy announced his resignation this month, clearing the way for his lieutenant governor bid in the 2026 elections. He cited a desire to focus on statewide issues like economic growth and public safety, which he has championed during his time in the Senate.
This change comes amid a wave of shifts in Georgia’s political scene. Recent special elections, such as Democrat Jaha Howard’s win in a metro Atlanta district last week, show Democrats gaining ground in some areas. Republicans, who hold a strong majority in the state Senate, worry about potential losses in the 2026 midterms, especially with national trends pointing to voter turnout challenges.
Experts say Kennedy’s departure could test the GOP’s hold on Middle Georgia, a traditionally conservative area. Local voters often prioritize jobs, education, and infrastructure, and the new senator will jump right into the legislative session starting January 12.
Kennedy’s record includes pushing for tax cuts and rural development bills. His successor will need to build on that while addressing fresh concerns like rising costs and healthcare access.
Profiles of the Six Candidates
The field includes a mix of experienced politicians and newcomers, each bringing unique backgrounds to the race. They signed up quickly after Kennedy’s announcement, showing strong interest in the seat.
Here is a closer look at the candidates, listed in alphabetical order:
- Eugene Allison (Republican): A retired factory worker from Thomaston, Allison is passionate about tougher domestic violence laws. He gained attention by speaking at city council meetings and holding public signs to call out officials. His push started after a family member’s experience, and he aims to boost penalties for stalking and related crimes.
- Other Republicans: The group features a former state representative with a track record in education policy, a small town mayor who focused on local economic revival, and an ex-Fort Valley city council member known for community safety initiatives. Two more GOP contenders include business owners emphasizing job creation.
- The Lone Democrat: This candidate, a local educator, stresses healthcare improvements and school funding, hoping to appeal to moderate voters in the district.
All candidates share goals like economic boosts for rural areas, but they differ on approaches to state spending and social issues.
Voters will weigh these profiles against the district’s needs, such as supporting agriculture and small businesses hit hard by recent economic shifts.
Key Issues in the Race
Domestic violence stands out as a hot topic, thanks to Allison’s advocacy. He plans to introduce bills for stricter penalties if elected, drawing from stories of victims across Georgia.
Broader concerns include infrastructure, with calls for better roads and broadband in rural spots. Education and healthcare also rank high, especially after recent state debates on school vouchers and Medicaid expansion.
The race ties into national trends, like Republican alarms over 2026 midterms. Polls show voters worried about inflation and job security, which could sway turnout.
Candidates are campaigning hard on these points, hosting town halls and door-to-door visits to connect with residents.
| Issue | Top Candidate Positions | Potential Impact on District |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | Stricter laws and penalties (Allison leads) | Could reduce crime rates and support victims in rural areas |
| Economy and Jobs | Tax cuts and business incentives (Multiple Republicans) | Aims to attract new industries to Middle Georgia |
| Education | Increased funding and reforms (Democrat focus) | Improves schools in counties like Peach and Monroe |
| Healthcare | Access improvements (Varied views) | Addresses shortages in underserved communities |
This table highlights how candidates’ stances could shape local policies.
Election Timeline and Process
The special election is slated for January 20, with a possible runoff on February 17 if no one gets a majority. This tight schedule means the winner joins the Senate mid-session, which runs from January 12 to late March or early April.
All Georgia lawmakers face re-election in November 2026, so this seat’s holder serves a short term before defending it again. The quick timeline adds urgency, as candidates must rally support fast.
Voting rules follow standard state guidelines, with early voting options to boost participation. Officials expect decent turnout despite the off-year timing, given the district’s engaged voters.
Recent elections in Georgia, like the 2025 off-year successes for Democrats, suggest surprises are possible. Turnout in special races often hinges on local issues and candidate outreach.
What Happens Next for District 18
The new senator will dive into key bills right away, including budget talks and policy reforms. This could influence everything from farm support to urban-rural divides in the state.
Political watchers predict a Republican win, but the Democrat’s entry adds competition. If the race goes to a runoff, it might signal shifting voter moods ahead of 2026.
Residents hope the contest brings fresh ideas to longstanding challenges, like balancing growth with community needs.
What do you think about this race? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article along to friends interested in Georgia politics.
