Senate District 54 Special Election Race Shaping Up

Folks are starting to jump into the race to succeed Senator Charlie Bethel, who will be filling a vacancy on the state Court of Appeals on January 1st. The election could possibly be held as early as December 13th.

Chuck Payne, former Whitfield County Republican Party chairman, made his announcement on Facebook this morning:

Because the compassions, the care and the concerns of a lifetime have brought me to this day, and with my wife, my children and my family and friends standing with me, today, I announce that I WILL seek the Georgia State Senate in the 54th District of Georgia.

From the time that I was 18 years old and signed my name to join the US Army, and throughout my 30 years of service to kids and families with GA Department of Juvenile Justice, and of my 26 years of committed efforts with Georgia Republican Party, a single voice of purpose has driven me in seeking a better tomorrow for ourselves and the next generation, and only, “Because the Future Matters!”

As, generations before us had committed themselves to insure the very freedoms we have known, so is it the responsibility to us all; that we do the same for the next. So, just as a family friend had recently shared, “The time has come; the door has opened”, so, faithfully, I step forward seeking to serve my neighbors, and our communities of the 54th District of Georgia.

I hope you will join us, as we move forward to the Special Election of December 13th, and graciously, I would appreciate your support, and certainly your vote!

I pray, may God’s Blessing be upon us, all.

Conda Goodson, who ran against Senator Bethel in the 2016 primary, made her announcement via Facebook:

With the Governors appointment of Bethel I am officially announcing my bid for Georgia State Senate district 54 in the upcoming special election!

That’s two so far, but there may be others as qualifying for the special election looms.  You can check out my speculation on who might qualify in my other piece.