Thinking about running for office as a Republican in Chattooga County?  Be prepared to get approval from the local party before they will allow your name to be on the ballot.  Local Republicans posted a notice at the Chattooga County Courthouse on Monday saying that they have formed a “qualifying committee” and any candidates wishing to appear on the Republican primary ballot must get the approval from the five-person committee before they will be qualified to run. 

The notice says, “The Chattooga County Republican Party will be the ‘exclusive body’ to approve potential candidates for the GOP ticket in Chattooga County.  The Chattooga County Republican Party has elected a qualifying committee of five people to approve potential candidates, which includes a declaration of facts (affidavit).  All candidates must be interviewed within the time, place and date allotted for the new “qualifying committee” for the approval process to occur”.

The notice, dated December 4, 2023, coincided with the announcement by local farmer and businessman Andy Allan that he would be seeking the Republican nomination for commissioner.  The notice appears to include incumbent office Republican office holders.

The local GOP says that the interviews will be conducted on February 3, 2024 from 9 AM until 3:30 PM at the Chattooga County Senior Center.