Chattooga County Democrats To Meet Today, Hear From House Candidate Holly Chaney

The Chattooga County Democratic Party will hold its next meeting today at 6 p.m. at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center, located at 33 Middle School Road in Summerville.

The meeting will feature a public forum with Holly Chaney, a candidate for Georgia House District 12. According to organizers, Chaney’s campaign is focused on issues including the cost of living, healthcare access, and support for public education.

In a statement provided by the campaign, Chaney said she believes the best solutions come from listening to the people who live and work in the district and hearing directly about the challenges they face.

Local Democrats are encouraging residents to attend, learn more about the campaign, and participate in discussions about issues affecting the community.

The meeting is open to the public and begins at 6 p.m. today at the Chattooga County Agricultural Center in Summerville.

Chattooga County Democrats to Host State House Candidate Forum June 15

The Chattooga County Democratic Party will host its next monthly meeting on Monday, June 15, featuring a public forum with Georgia House District 12 candidate Holly Chaney.

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Governor Kemp Expands Special Session Agenda to Include Property Tax Referendums and Appointments

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has expanded the agenda for the General Assembly’s upcoming special session, adding several items beyond the previously announced discussions on redistricting and election law changes.

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Several Statewide Races Headed To June 16 Runoff In Georgia

Georgia voters will return to the polls on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, to decide several key statewide races that were not settled during the May primary election.

According to unofficial results released by the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, runoff elections will be required in a number of contests, including races for lieutenant governor, secretary of state, insurance commissioner, labor commissioner, and Public Service Commission District 5.

Among the higher-profile runoff contests, Colby Maurin and Nabilah Parkes will face off in the Democratic race for lieutenant governor, while Greg Dolezal and John F. Kennedy advance to the Republican runoff.

In the Republican race for secretary of state, Tim Fleming and Vernon Jones will compete for the nomination, while Democrats Dana Barrett and Penny Brown Reynolds will meet in a runoff for their party’s nomination.

Several statewide races were decided outright in the primary, including the Democratic nominations for U.S. Senate, governor and attorney general, along with the Republican nominations for attorney general, agriculture commissioner and insurance commissioner.

Voters in Chattooga County and across Georgia who participated in the primary will have another opportunity to cast ballots in the runoff election on June 16.

New Georgia Law Allows Property Owners To Sue Over Public Nuisance Enforcement

A new Georgia law taking effect July 1st will allow property owners to seek compensation if they believe local governments are not doing enough to enforce public nuisance laws.

House Bill 295 applies to issues such as public camping, vandalism, and panhandling. Supporters say the law is designed to push cities and counties to enforce existing ordinances when public nuisance activity hurts businesses, property values, or public safety.

State Representative Jesse Petrea, who co-sponsored the bill, said some business owners have complained about losing customers and property value when people feel unsafe near encampments or panhandling areas.

However, critics worry the law could have a negative impact on people experiencing homelessness. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said public spaces should remain open to everyone as long as people are not creating a nuisance.

Property owners who file claims will have to prove that nuisance behavior caused financial loss and that local government willfully failed to enforce the law.

House Bill 295 became law on May 12th and is scheduled to take effect July 1st.

Chattooga County Native Named Chief Of Staff For Congressman Clay Fuller

Chattooga County native Spencer Hogg has been named chief of staff for U.S. Congressman Clay Fuller.

Hogg officially joined Congressman Fuller’s team on April 14th. He brings experience in economic development, government relations, and constituent service to the role.

Most recently, Hogg served as President and CEO of the Rome Floyd County Development Authority. He previously worked with the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority, serving as President and CEO, Vice President of Economic Development and Government Relations, and Economic Development Project Manager.

Hogg also has prior experience on Capitol Hill, having worked in the U.S. House of Representatives in the offices of Congressmen Tom Graves and Jody Hice.

In a statement to WZQZ News, Hogg said, “It’s the honor of a lifetime to join Rep. Clay Fuller as his Chief of Staff. Northwest Georgia raised me, and I look forward to fighting every day for the place I am proud to call home. I appreciate the chance to work for a Congressman that is committed to rural values and defending our communities.”

Chattooga County Unofficial Election Results

Here are the unofficial and incomplete results of the May 19, 2026 General Primary Election held in Chattooga County:

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Jones and Jackson Advance to GOP Runoff for Georgia Governor

Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones has advanced to a Republican runoff in the race for governor following Tuesday’s Primary Election.

According to statewide results, Jones and businessman Rick Jackson emerged as the top two Republican candidates and will now face each other in a runoff election. Neither candidate received the required majority of votes needed to secure the nomination outright.

Jones, who currently serves as Georgia’s lieutenant governor, carried a number of counties across Northwest Georgia, including strong support in Chattooga County. Jackson also performed well statewide, setting up what is expected to be a closely watched runoff race in the coming weeks.

The winner of the Republican runoff will advance to the General Election later this year.

Chattooga County Voters Choose Fuller, Thomas In Republican Primary

Chattooga County Republican Primary voters overwhelmingly supported U.S. Rep. Clay Fuller in Tuesday’s Primary Election.

Fuller received well over 80 percent of the local Republican vote in a crowded field of candidates. Former State Senator Colton Moore finished second with just over 9 percent. Fuller will face Democrat Shawn Harris in the November General Election.

In the State Senate race for the seat formerly held by Moore, State Senator Lanny Thomas was the strong favorite among Chattooga County Republican voters. Former Chattooga County Commissioner Blake Elsberry finished second, followed by Denise Burns in third.

Chattooga County Republicans also favored Mike Collins in the race to challenge U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, while Burt Jones was the county’s Republican pick for governor.

On the Democratic ballot, Chattooga County voters heavily supported former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in the race for governor.

In the State House District 12 race, Republican incumbent Eddie Lumsden and Democratic challenger Holly Chaney both faced no opposition in Tuesday’s Primary Election.

Georgia’s New Insurance Reform Law Brings Major Changes For Homeowners And Drivers

A sweeping new insurance reform measure signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp is expected to bring significant changes for Georgia homeowners, drivers and insurance companies.

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