Gwinnett Commission Chairwoman Nash Not Running For Re-election
Per Curt Yoemans of the Gwinnett Daily Post, Charlotte Nash, the Republican Chair of the Gwinnett County Commission, will not run for re-election.
After nearly a decade as Gwinnett County’s commission chairwoman, Charlotte Nash confirmed Tuesday that she will not seek re-election next year.
Nash became chairwoman after winning a special election in 2011 to replace former Chairman Charles Bannister. She was re-elected in 2012 and 2016.
“I have mixed emotions as I announce that I have decided that I will not seek re-election,” Nash said in an email to the Daily Post. “I believe that it is time for me to focus on my family and to follow through on a promise I made to my husband that we will enjoy retirement together.”
Nash has managed to lead a very purple Gwinnett County while holding onto Republican majorities on the commission for the past decade. One could argue that she did such a good job at this that many Republicans have been able to remain in denial of the partisan realities of the once GOP stronghold. Democrats will certainly highlight Nash’s office as a potential trophy that is within reach.
Nash’s departure also clouds the future of transit, not just in Gwinnett but for the entire Atlanta region. Nash has been a trusted power broker that both advocated for MARTA in her county and had the trust of regional and state Republican and Democratic leaders as The ATL was created. Her departure will leave a void as Atlanta continues to try and solve the calculus of expanding transit and figuring out how to pay for it.
About Author
Charlie
Founder of GeorgiaPol.com; Now weekly columnist Very interested in Georgia and Georginas. Interest in politics is waning daily.
Add a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Charlotte Nash could have won re-election in 2020 but the seat held by Tommy Hunter will go Democrat which will give them a majority on the commission. The seat held by Jace Brooks may also fall which would make her the only Republican on the commission. My guess is that she did not relish being a bit player on the re-made commission. Couple this decision with Danny Porter’s pending announcement that he’s going to switch parties and Gwinnett is the bluest of blues.
She’s pragmatic. I don’t think she’d be a bit player, but the change in the board is something she probably doesn’t want to deal with.
I imagine that since the Gwinnett Democratic party is increasing in voters and the Gwinnett Republican party is anti-growth (which is why they kiboshed the MARTA referendum) and Charlotte Nash is pro responsible growth, she figured getting re-elected as a Republican wouldn’t be worth the effort.
I don’t agree with everything she did but I do believe she has looked out for the best long term interests of our county and we will miss her.