The primary election this month in Macon-Bibb County will feature a contested race for state representative in District 145, which covers a portion of Bibb County. Six candidates have qualified for the race, three for each party. The primary election on May 21 will decide the candidate in November’s General Election for each party. Here’s what to know about the candidates.

 

DONALD L. DRUITT, SR.

Druitt, a Democrat, holds a masters certificate and Bachelor of Science degree in business and management. Druitt served for two years as the regional chair for the 24 emergency management agencies for counties in central Georgia, and was a member of the counties consolidation task force and the Macon-Bibb citizens transportation advisory committee. Druitt was also chair of the National Arts program for the Macon-Bibb School District and a member of Macon-Bibb’s Bicentennial History Committee. He currently serves on the Macon-Bibb Equalization Board. Druitt said he’s focused on health care, medicaid expansion, education, adequate pay and facilities in workplaces, crime reduction, support for first responders, economic revitalization, support for small businesses, increasing job numbers and training, and election reform. Druitt said he wants to move Macon’s elections back to November to reduce election fraud and cost.

Druitt said state representatives hold a lot of local power and he feels he’s qualified to use it well. “They have the power to make state laws, restrict land use to protect and preserve the environment and natural resources, form a state militia under the command of the governor, expend public money, participate in tourism and control and regulate outdoor advertising,” he said. “In all those responsibilities above, I have in some way managed or participated in these processes over the past 45 years in at least five different counties, 18 different states including 17 years here in Georgia and Macon-Bibb County.” “I hope our constituents will understand that it will take a senior statesman with years of experience to accurately address our needs,” Druitt added.

 

TANGIE HERRING

Herring, a Democrat, holds degrees from Georgia College, Fort Valley State University, and Mercer University and currently works as a teacher. Herring has created “Y Not Us,” a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting and encouraging youth to become civically engaged so that young people who felt powerless become empowered to create positive change in themselves and their community. She is also an advocate for women’s health issues and is heavily involved in her Beall’s Hill neighborhood.

Herring said if elected, she will focus on public safety, public schooling, quality and affordable health care, economic growth, and safe housing that’s affordable. “I will bring the distinct experience and wisdom to the Georgia State House that only someone with my lived experience can,” she said. “I’m running to put that experience to work for the people, and I pledge always to put their interests ahead of any special interests.” Herring said she is running to represent the people of District 145 because she can make a positive difference in the state legislature by offering the unique perspective as a 28-year classroom teacher, small business owner, and advocate for women’s health. She said she also advocates for neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing and youth empowerment. “I have fond memories of growing up as a member of the Greater Vineville Baptist Church. There, I learned the importance of grace and embraced a faith that continues to sustain me and provides the strength to take on the right fights without fear,” Herring said. “It would be the honor of my life to take that fighting spirit to the Georgia House of Representatives to create a safer, more prosperous community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”

 

DR. JUAWN JACKSON

Jackson, a Democrat holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgia College and State as well as a masters degree from Mercer University and doctorate degree from University of Georgia. Jackson served as president of the Bibb County Board of Education and chairman of the Board of Trustees at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Macon. He has also served on community boards such as Bibb County Education Foundation, ESPLOST Oversight Committee, Macon-Bibb Judicial Review Board, Macon-Bibb Healthcare/Retirement Benefits Committee, One South Community Development Corporation, and Milledgeville Film Festival as well as statewide advisory boards.

Jackson said if elected with plans to prioritize healthcare, women’s rights to choose, economy and finances, education, and safer neighborhoods. Jackson said if elected he would focus on health care, reproductive rights, the economy, education, public safety and criminal justice reform, and climate change. “These are just a few of the many pressing issues facing our state, but they are some of the most urgent and require bold, immediate action from our leaders,” Jackson said. “As a state representative, I will work tirelessly to address these challenges head-on and fight for policies that improve the lives of all Georgians. It’s time for new leadership and fresh ideas in the State House, and I am ready to lead the way forward.” Jackson said in the final weeks of the campaign he planned to launch an aggressive effort to mobilize supporters and encourage voting. “I am excited to take our campaign to the next level and to work tirelessly to earn the trust and support of voters in the General Election. Together, we can build a movement for change that will transform our district and state for the better,” Jackson said.

 

DE’RON ROGERS

Rogers, a Republican, attended York Christian College and now owns Atlantic Coast Images and Pinky’s Shaved Ice in Macon.

Rogers is an active participant in her church, educational initiatives and various community activities. Rogers didn’t respond to interview requests, but has information on her stances available on her campaign website. She said if elected, she will focus on work to increase funding and resources for local and state law enforcement agencies to effectively combat illegal activities stemming from unsecured borders. She also said she would advocate for a curriculum that prioritizes reading, writing, mathematics, science, history, and the arts, ensuring that students graduate with a well-rounded education, according to her campaign website. Her campaign site also says she would work to provide tax relief to families and foster economic growth in Georgia.

 

NOAH HARBUCK

Harbuck, a Republican, graduated from Mary Persons High School in Forsyth in 2014 and currently works as an insurance agent. Harbuck is involved with groups at Rock Springs Church, including several sports activities and a men’s bible study.

He said his slogan, “Do good. Do it together,” fits his campaign because it plans to do a lot of good and will need Middle Georgia’s help. Harbuck said he believes some of the most current pressing issues are illegal immigration and public safety. “Addressing these issues is vital for the overall well-being and future of Georgia,” he said. If elected, he plans to advocate for lower taxes, work with Georgia’s public safety teams to ensure better training for first responders, and collaborate with parents on education issues “First, I’m a child of God. Second, I’m a loving husband and father,” Harbuck said. “If you live in District 145 I would be honored to have your vote. God Bless.”

 

NANCY HICKS

Hicks is running under the Republican Party. She did not respond to interview requests. Voters can take a look at a comprehensive election calendar, voter registration status and voting precincts on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website.

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with The Telegraph.

Tags: Macon Bibb  Georgia  Georgia Politics