Garnett Johnson is the 85th Mayor of the City of Augusta and a small business owner. An Augusta native, he is proud graduate of George P. Butler High School and Augusta University with a degree in Business Administration.

Appointed by Governor Brian Kemp, Garnett serves on the Georgia Department of Economic Development Board. Representing Augusta, he serves as the Third Vice President of the Georgia Municipal Association and is a former chairman of the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce. He is engaged locally as a member of the Augusta Exchange Club, is a 2015 Leadership Augusta graduate, and a 2020 Leadership Georgia graduate.

Born and raised in East Augusta, Mayor Johnson is honored to lead the city he loves. He is passionate about moving Augusta Forward by prioritizing growth, action, results and being transparent and accountable to Augusta residents.

Garnett is married to Toni Seals-Johnson. They have two daughters and are members of Good Shepherd Baptist Church.

Steven Brian Kendrick is a lifelong Augustan who has spent more than 20 years serving the community through public service, economic development, and leadership initiatives. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Florida A&M University, he earned both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and an MBA.

Kendrick served 13 years as Richmond County Tax Commissioner and currently serves as Chief Deputy in the office.

In addition to his public service, Kendrick has worked as a business professor at Paine College, Augusta University, and University of Phoenix. He is also a licensed broker, agent, and real estate instructor with experience in the private sector through the pharmaceutical industry and his family business, Augusta Blueprint.

Kendrick has played a key role in shaping Augusta’s economic and community development landscape, serving as Chairman of the Augusta Economic Development Authority and Chairman Emeritus of the Augusta Land Bank Authority. He is also a founding board member of the HUB Augusta Collaborative and the founder of the E3 Leadership Foundation, which focuses on youth leadership development through programs such as Project Impact. In addition, he has helped lead and support leadership programs in the community including Youth Leadership Augusta and the HUB Youth Leadership Academy.

As a candidate, Kendrick’s platform centers on BUILDING stronger communities, GROWING economic opportunity, UNITING leadership across Augusta, and LEADING the region toward a more prosperous future.

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

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Meet Dana Barrett, Fulton County Commissioner and Democratic candidate for Georgia Secretary of State.

Dana Barrett is a Fulton County Commissioner and Democratic candidate for Georgia Secretary of State.

As a Fulton County Commissioner representing Georgia's largest county, Barrett has been on the front lines of the fight to protect free, fair, and secure elections. She faced fines and the threat of jail time for refusing to seat MAGA election deniers on the county elections board—a fight she ultimately won in the Georgia Court of Appeals. She is running for Secretary of State to ensure that every eligible Georgia voter can vote without fear or interference.

Barrett brings a rare combination of technology expertise and public service experience to this race. A former tech executive, she started her career as a self-taught programmer and worked her way up to Vice President of Technology. In 2022, Barrett, a proud single mom and breast cancer survivor, beat a longtime Republican incumbent to win her seat on the Fulton County Commission.

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

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Toni Dean is the programs manager at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History and

Conference Center in Augusta, GA. She has a communications background, having worked in

radio, print and television. She spent several years in television as a production manager for two

national broadcasts, PBS NewsHour (The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer), Washington DC, and

Good Morning America, ABC News, New York. Toni serves on the board for Shiloh Community

Center and is a member of the Augusta African American Historical Society. She has also served

as a grant review panel for Augusta’s Community Foundation and the United Way of Augusta.

Toni serves as a historian at her church and she is a video producer who has produced historical

video pieces for local churches in Augusta. Toni is a native of Augusta and alumnus of John S.

Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School..

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at

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In this episode, we recap the 2026 election across the CSRA and take a closer look at the races and decisions that shaped this election cycle. We discuss major mayoral races, district-by-district outcomes, and examine voter turnout and what the level of participation may reveal about community engagement across the region.

We also talk about what these election results could mean moving forward and highlight upcoming runoff elections, including what voters should know and what to watch as the next phase of local elections unfolds. Join us for insight, discussion, and a recap of the moments that mattered across the CSRA.

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at

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Tamika Bean ,community leader, entrepreneur, and lifelong public servant dedicated to serving the people of South Augusta. With over two decades of experience in public service, small business ownership, youth mentorship, public health, and community outreach, Tamika has built her life around one mission: showing up for the people who need it most.

From owning and operating her salon business for more than 25 years to creating the COSMO Mentor program for youth through the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, Tamika has focused on creating opportunities, building confidence, and strengthening communities. She has also served in public health initiatives alongside Johns Hopkins University and Emory University, worked in Augusta-Richmond County government operations, and continues to lead recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.

A woman of faith, a mother, grandmother, mentor, and advocate, Tamika Bean is now running for Augusta-Richmond County Commission District 6, bringing real leadership, compassion, and experience to the communities she serves.

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

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In this episode we feature Michael Cioffi and Evett Williams, candidates for District 8, Augusta–Richmond County Commission.

Michael Cioffi is a lifelong Augusta resident and candidate for District 8. He and his wife built their first home in South Richmond County at age 21 and have spent more than 30 years raising a family and building their life in the community. He is a graduate of Augusta University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and has spent 38 years working with a local building supply company, where he serves as General Manager. His experience in small business, operations, and long-term management has shaped his focus on fiscal responsibility, accountability, and practical leadership. He also serves as Vice Chairman of the Augusta Aviation Commission and is committed to responsible spending, essential services, and transparent communication with residents.

Evett Williams is a proven servant leader, community advocate, and experienced professional also running for District 8 Commissioner. With nearly four decades in South Augusta, she brings deep community roots and a strong record of service.She is a Cum Laude graduate of the Medical College of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology and holds a Master of Theology degree. Her professional background spans nonprofit leadership, education, workforce development, healthcare, construction, real estate, veteran services, and marketing. She currently serves as Marketing Director for the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Southeastern Chapter.Evett also serves on the Augusta-Richmond County Board of Zoning Appeals (Past Chairman) and the Family YMCA Metro Board of Directors. She is a graduate of Leadership Augusta and Leadership Georgia and serves as an Elder at Christian City of Praise.

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at

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Tori Branum is a Marine veteran and firearms instructor running for Congress in Georgia’s 12th District. After serving her country, she’s now focused on securing the border, strengthening national security, supporting veterans and farmers, and bringing accountability to Washington.

Chris Stephens was raised in the rural South and built his career in public service as a 911 dispatcher and police officer. Now a former small business owner and nonprofit leader, he brings a practical, solutions-focused approach centered on service, fairness, and community.

Traci George is a Gold Star family member and mother of three whose leadership is shaped by service and sacrifice. Through her work across economic development, healthcare, education, and community infrastructure, she has built coalitions and led initiatives focused on creating real outcomes for families and strengthening the systems they rely on.

Bri Woodson is a Georgia native, community advocate, and recovery mentor who has turned personal adversity into purpose. Through her work creating second-chance programs and connecting people to resources, she is focused on mental health, education, and economic opportunity.

Ceretta Smith is an Army veteran, former Grovetown councilwoman, and small business owner with decades of service in the military and federal government. She is also a labor and human rights advocate who has led at multiple levels while mentoring future leaders.

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at

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In this solo episode, Janice Allen Jackson breaks down all the races on the ballot, offering insight and context to help voters better understand what’s at stake ahead of election day.

This episode is designed to inform and empower the community by making local elections more accessible and easier to understand. Whether you’re a first-time voter or simply looking to stay informed, this discussion offers valuable perspective on the decisions that shape our local government and future.

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at

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Lonnie Wimberly – A retired Command Sergeant Major with 30 years of distinguished service in the U.S. Army, Wimberly enlisted in 1972 and rose through the ranks to senior leadership. He served as Fort Gordon’s Garrison Command Sergeant Major, overseeing major activations, redeployments, and combat operations with zero casualties, and was awarded a second Legion of Merit upon retirement. He earned degrees from Fayetteville State University, National-Louis University, and Brenau University. A longtime Augusta resident, he helped establish the Walton Farms Neighborhood Association and remains active in the Richmond County Neighborhood Associations Alliance, continuing his commitment to community development.

Alvin Mason – Born in Lansing, Michigan, Mason served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1984 to 2004, holding key leadership roles including Protocol Non-Commissioned Officer in Korea. After his military career, he opened BBQ restaurants in Augusta and entered public service, being elected to the Augusta-Richmond County Commission in 2007 and later serving as Mayor Pro Tem. He has also served as Interim Commissioner and was re-elected in 2022. With advanced degrees and experience managing over $500 million in contracts at Fort Gordon, Mason brings more than 37 years of public service. He has overseen over $750 million in local infrastructure projects, supported major economic development efforts, and continues to focus on growth, transportation, and community improvements across District 4.

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at

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Meet both candidates. Attorney Alexia Davis Payne has spent her legal career serving Burke and Richmond Counties. Originally from Texas, she attended Baylor University on an academic and athletic scholarship before earning her juris doctor from Tulane University. Since 2006, she has served the citizens of Augusta both in and out of the courtroom.

She is the current president of the Augusta Conference of African American Attorneys and a past president of the Augusta Bar Association. She has served on the Boys and Girls Club Board for over a decade, supported literacy initiatives, and helped expand the Georgia Bar High School Mock Trial program. In 2018, she co-founded the law firm Davis, Chapman, and Wilder, LLC after more than a decade with the Public Defender’s Office.

Judge Ashley Wright grew up in Augusta, Georgia, and returned home after graduating from Mercer Law School to serve in the Augusta Judicial Circuit. She spent 12 years as an Assistant District Attorney before being appointed District Attorney, where she prosecuted felony and misdemeanor cases across multiple counties.

In 2017, she was appointed to the Superior Court bench, where she now presides over criminal, civil, and domestic cases, including Drug Treatment Court. She is also active in community outreach, including hosting The First Step, a program focused on recovery and support resources.

She is a graduate of Leadership Augusta and Leadership Georgia and has served on numerous local and state boards supporting education, service, and community development.

DISCLAIMER: Local Matters Podcast Host Janice Allen Jackson is speaking only for herself. Her thoughts, views, and opinions regarding this tragedy belong solely to her. These are not to malign any profession, organization, anyone, or anything. Local Matters does not endorse candidates.

To contact Mrs. Jackson for consulting or speaking engagements, please see the Contact Us page at

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