Editor Becky Watts: Phone # 770-468-7583 editor(@)pikecountytimes.com
This online news website is owned and operated by Becky Watts. If you enjoy reading Pike County Times, consider buying an advertisement for your business or sending a donation to support the only free online newspaper in Pike County.
Donations can be sent to: The Pike County Times, PO Box 843, Zebulon, Georgia 30295. You can also donate through www.venmo.com/u/pikecountytimes, $pikecountytimes, and PayPal.Me/PikeCountyTimesLLC.
Thanks for supporting Pike County's only free online newspaper!
ZEBULON - The General Primary will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Several city and county positions are on the ballot as well as many state and federal positions.
Advance Voting Dates will be April 27 - May 15, 2026. Advance voting will be held in a new location at the J. Joel Edwards Public Library in Zebulon. Voters must bring a photo ID to the polling location in order to vote.
Pike County Times has included information from contested races that will be determined in both May and November. Specifications are at the beginning of each race.
More information including a link to the Georgia My Voter Page is located in the closing section of this article.
CITY OF MEANSVILLE
This winner of this contested race will be determined on November 3, 2026.
Mayor of Meansville
Mayor has one candidate: Incumbent Randall Parker. Randall will continue for the next term of office.
Council Post 1
Council Post 1 has two candidates: Janice Cairns and Robert English.
Janice Cairns
My name is Janice Cairns, and I am proud to be a candidate for Meansville City Council. I envision a Meansville that honors its rich heritage while creating meaningful opportunities for connection, growth, and community pride.
In a town such as ours, every improvement matters. One of my key priorities is enhancing and beautifying our local walking track—transforming it into a welcoming, well-maintained space where residents of all ages can gather, exercise, and enjoy time together. I believe this can become a central place for leisure, health, and community connection.
I am committed to preserving the character that makes Meansville special while making thoughtful investments in our shared spaces and infrastructure. By listening to residents and working together, we can ensure our town remains safe, vibrant, and a place we are proud to call home.
Transparency, accountability, and open communication will guide my service. I will be a voice for the people—approachable, responsive, and dedicated to making decisions that reflect the values of our community.
Together, we can build a stronger Meansville—one that celebrates its past while creating a future where everyone can thrive.
Facebook Janice Klein Cairns
Instagram @janicecairns
Robert English
Robert English 45, 5+ year resident city of Meansville, father, stepfather, husband, college graduate, Land Surveyor, home remodeler, etc.
I appreciate the small town feel of Meansville, if elected I look forward to being part of the decisions made to further improve the quality of life in Meansville. I’d like to see speed bumps throughout the city to protect the citizens from dangerous careless drivers as well as continuing to find ways to beautify our awesome walking track for it is one of Meansville’s best assets.
I’d appreciate your vote.
Council Post 2
Council Post 2 has one candidate: Incumbent Britney Miller. Britney will continue for the next term of office.
Council Post 5
Council Post 5 has one candidate: Incumbent Janet Minter. Janet will continue for the next term of office.
CITY OF MOLENA
This winner of this contested race will be determined on November 3, 2026.
Council Post 1
Council Post 1 has one candidate: Incumbent Christy McCrary. Christy will continue for the next term of office.
Council Post 2
Council Post 2 has two candidates: Incumbent Willie McDowell and Challenger Amanda Huddleston.
Amanda Huddleston
I am running for city council because I care deeply about our community and the future we are building for our families. Having lived here for over 20 years, I have seen firsthand what makes this town special—a close-knit, supportive community where people know each other, look out for one another, and take pride in where they live. That is something worth protecting and one of the main reasons I am stepping forward to serve.
Over the years, I have watched our town grow and change. Growth can be positive, but only when handled responsibly and with the community’s best interest at heart. Too often, it feels like decisions are made without enough input from the people who live here. I believe our voices matter, and we deserve to be informed, included, and heard before major changes take place.
One moment that confirmed my decision to run was attending a recent town meeting. As I listened to discussions about budgeting and the police department’s needs, my first instinct was action. I began thinking about ways I could help and started planning a fundraiser to support them. When I see a need, I don’t wait—I step in and find a way to make a difference.
One of my biggest motivations is restoring connection and trust between leadership and the community. I want to bring back the feeling that we are all in this together—that concerns are heard and needs are prioritized. Whether it is infrastructure, water concerns, or how resources are used, residents deserve clear communication and honest answers.
I am also passionate about building a stronger, more connected community. Through organizing homeschool activities, local events, and programs for children, I have seen how powerful it is when people come together. When we invest in our community, we create a better environment for everyone—especially our kids.
I am not a career politician, and that gives me a unique perspective. I am someone who loves this community and wants to see it thrive. I am willing to ask hard questions, listen to different viewpoints, and work toward solutions that benefit everyone.
If elected, I will focus on transparency, communication, and responsible growth. I want residents to feel informed and confident that their voices matter. I will advocate for protecting resources, improving communication, and creating more opportunities for involvement.
This is about more than a position—it is about preserving what makes our town special while building a stronger future. After more than 20 years here, this community is home to me. I am running for city council because I believe in it, I care about it, and I am ready to serve and help protect the connected community we value.
Amanda Huddleston
706-741-2659
Willie McDowell
Why I Believe I'm the Best Candidate for Post 2
I'm running for reelection because there is still important work to finish for the people of Molena. Over the last several years, I've seen firsthand what our community needs, what we've made progress on, and what remains unfinished. I care deeply about this city, the people who live here, the families who raise their children here, and the neighbors who want to see Molena grow without losing the spirit that makes it home.
My commitment has always been to improve the lives and living conditions of our residents. That means continuing the work we've started: repairing our streets, improving our city park, and making sure our infrastructure keeps up with the needs of our community. These aren't quick projects, and they aren't small ones. They take consistency, follow-through, and someone who is willing to stay with the work until it's done. I'm running again because I want to see these improvements completed for the people who depend on them.
I believe in being both a good communicator and a good listener. I take the time to hear what residents are experiencing, what they're worried about, and what they want for their families. I also study how other cities handle similar challenges, and I look for the best ideas that can be brought back to Molena. My goal is not to copy anyone else, but to learn from what works and adapt it in a way that fits our community's values and needs.
Molena deserves to be recognized, not just as a place on the map, but as a city with potential, pride, and a strong sense of who we are. I want to help Molena grow in ways that uplift our community while protecting the small-town character that makes us unique.
Growth should strengthen us, not change who we are at our core.
I care about this city because it's my home. I've spent years investing in our youth, supporting community programs, and also working to make sure Molena remains a safe and healthy place to live. Whether it's through my service on the council, my work with the Molena Alumni Group, or my background serving my country, encouraging and instilling values, leadership, and responsibility in the next generation, my focus has always been on service, discipline, and respect.
I'm running again because I believe in Molena's future. I believe in the people who live here. And I believe that with steady leadership, clear communication, and a commitment to finishing what we've started, we can continue building a city that reflects the best of who we are.
Rev. Willie "Billy" McDowell, Jr.
CITY OF WILLIAMSON
The winner of this contested race will be determined on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. **PLEASE NOTE: The polls will be open at the Williamson Library on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.**
There are two candidates for this seat: Robert Pugh and Chris Gordon.
Chris Gordon
Hello, my name is Chris Gordon, and I’m honored to announce my candidacy for City Council Post 5 in the great city of Williamson.
Although my wife Samantha and I are recent residents, my roots in Williamson run deep. My grandparents lived here for over 30 years, and my parents have called this community home for more than a decade. We chose Williamson for its small-town charm, safe neighborhoods, and excellent school system—values that reflect the kind of life we want to build and protect.
I hold an Associate of Science degree in Chemistry from Gordon College and a Commercial Driver’s License. I currently serve as a Maintenance Planner at Heidelberg Materials, where I’ve worked for over six years in various roles including Mixing Operator, Plant Lead, and Dispatcher. These positions have equipped me with valuable experience in leadership, budgeting, and operational efficiency. My time as a dispatcher, in particular, sharpened my ability to process complex information, prioritize effectively, and make strategic decisions under pressure—skills I believe are essential for serving on the City Council.
If elected, I will work collaboratively with the mayor and fellow council members to strengthen our city’s infrastructure and support our first responders. This includes paving and maintaining roads and pursuing grant opportunities to ensure our emergency services have the resources they need. I am also committed to enhancing our quality of life by revitalizing local parks, completing the amphitheater project, and championing our small businesses.
I approach public service with a solutions-focused mindset—driven to move projects forward and eliminate unnecessary roadblocks. I believe Williamson deserves thoughtful leadership that honors its past while planning responsibly for its future. I am confident that my background, work ethic, and dedication to this community would make me the right candidate for Post 5.
I would be truly grateful for your support and your vote.
Chris Gordon
Phone: 770-467-7469
Email: rg135171@yahoo.com
Robert Pugh
Robert Pugh is running for city council for the city of Williamson because Becoming a city councilman for the City of Williamson is not just a goal of mine—it is a calling rooted in service, community, and commitment. Having lived in Williamson for over eight years, and serving on the planning commission for over two years I have developed a deep appreciation for what makes our city special. It is more than just a place to live; it is a community built on relationships, shared values, and a strong sense of pride in our small-town identity.
I am seeking this opportunity because I genuinely want to serve the people of Williamson. Leadership, in my view, begins with listening. Too often, people feel unheard or disconnected from decisions that impact their daily lives. I want to be a voice that represents the concerns, ideas, and hopes of our residents. By actively engaging with community members, I will work to ensure that every voice matters and that decisions are made with the best interest of our citizens in mind.
One of my top priorities is maintaining the small hometown feel that makes Williamson so unique. Growth and progress are important, but they should never come at the expense of the character and charm that define our city. I believe we can strike a balance—embracing thoughtful development while preserving the close-knit, welcoming environment that so many of us cherish.
Safety and cleanliness are also essential to the quality of life in our community. A safe city is a thriving city, and I am committed to supporting initiatives that protect our neighborhoods and promote a sense of security for all residents. Likewise, maintaining the cleanliness of our streets, parks, and public spaces reflects the pride we take in our community and contributes to the overall well-being of everyone who calls Williamson home.
Finally, this journey is personal for me. After more than eight years of living here, I have invested not only my time but also my heart into this city. I want to give back to the community that has given so much to me. Serving on the city council would allow me to play an active role in shaping the future of Williamson while honoring the values that make it such a special place. cherish our past, plan our future.
I would be honored if you would vote for Robert Pugh in May. Why? Because he is the guy who will listen to you.
Robert Pugh-Forensic Peer Mentor Training Development CoordinatorCell: (770)318-7920
PIKE COUNTY
These winners of these two contested races will be determined on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Pike County Board of Commissioners District 1
Commissioner District 1 has two candidates: Incumbent Tim Daniel and Challenger Michelle Gravitt.
Tim Daniel
My name is Tim Daniel and I am running for reelection to the Pike County Board of Commissioners, District 1, because I want to continue my public service to Pike County. During my time in office, we have made real progress. For the first time in many years, we have paved numerous dirt roads, and we are scheduled to pave more. We secured two one-million-dollar state grants, bringing investment to the Hilltop Community and making long, over-due improvements to Tanyard Road. In the last few years, we implemented a 24/7 staffed fire department, strengthening emergency response in the county. These are just a few of the things we have been able to accomplish, but there is still work to be done. I remain committed to putting our community first every day.
I have been a resident of District I for the past 18 years. I am married to Mary Bess Cook Daniel and our daughter, Maggie, is a sophomore at Pike County High School. We attend Christ Chapel Community Church in Zebulon.
I humbly ask for your continued support so we can keep moving Pike forward together.
Please vote for Timothy D. Daniel in the upcoming election.
Michelle Gravitt
Local government should remain grounded in the people it serves. It should listen carefully, respect different perspectives, and exercise wise stewardship to preserve Pike County for future generations. I am Michelle Gravitt, a wife, mother, small business owner, and community servant running for Pike County Commissioner for District 1.
My husband, David, grew up in Pike County, and together we raised three Pike County graduates. My stepson John is an Air Force veteran, our son Ryan serves as a police officer, and our daughter Anna attends Gordon State College with hopes of becoming a nurse. We are proud to call Pike County home.
Faith and service are central to our family. We have been members of Oak Hill for 18 years and serve in many areas of the church. I also volunteer with the Christian Women’s Center mentoring women who are rebuilding their lives. Through my business, we give back 10% of our proceeds to support local ministries including Families for Families, Young Life, and the Christian Women’s Center.
Many residents first connected with me in 2020 when I spoke out against the proposed utility-scale solar project that required a special exception under the county’s zoning ordinance. I spent months researching the impact of large-scale solar projects, speaking with neighbors, organizing petitions, and addressing the commission about the environmental and community impacts of projects of that scale. That experience reinforced my belief that residents deserve a voice in decisions that affect their community and led me to seek the opportunity to serve Pike County in a broader way.
Pike County’s farmland, open space, and rural character matter deeply to many of us. Proposals that impact our county should be evaluated carefully through the guidance of our Comprehensive Plan. Decisions should consider their impact on our community, our land, the families who live here, and the county’s financial health. My goal is simple: protect the character, land, and quality of life that make Pike County a place families are proud to call home.
If elected, I will work with citizens and fellow commissioners to ensure Pike County spends taxpayer dollars responsibly. The county must carefully examine its financial obligations, spending priorities, and long-term debt so it can address current challenges and live within its means.
Local government should operate with openness and transparency. Residents deserve clear and consistent communication from their elected officials. If elected, I will keep residents informed through town halls, newsletters, social media, and direct conversations.
I am not a politician. I am a wife, mother, and small business owner who cares deeply about serving our community.
Residents can reach me at 770-468-7849 or connect with me on Facebook at Elect Michelle Gravitt Pike County District 1.
Pike County Board of Commissioners District 2
Commissioner District 2 has two candidates: Incumbent Tim Guy and Challenger Chris Childress.
Chris Childress
Pike District 2,
Vote Chris Childress for Commissioner to:
C--ommit to a Proactive Pike County Vision
H--ave Honest and Transparent leadership
A--dvocate for Community-Oriented Business Growth
N--egotiate with Cities to ensure sustainable infrastructure
G--overn with strong Conservative Values.
E--nd substantial reliance on Property Taxes.
I am a 7th generation Pike Countian. My Pike ancestry dates back to the early 1800s, with most of the roots of my family tree buried all throughout District 2. I have lived 40 of the 45 years of my life in District 2. Pike's first County-Wide elected Commission Chairman, Gene King, was my g-g-g Uncle. He passed when I was nine years old. Throughout my campaign conversations, I have adopted a firm belief that Chairman King honorably and actively served the Pike community. Footsteps I pray to have the opportunity to follow.
My family attends Christ Chapel. God first.
My wife teaches special education in Pike. I have five children--two are hard working adults employed by a Pike County electrical company, one is enrolled at Pike HS, one in Pike Elementary, and one in Pike Primary. We play ball and are involved in cub scouts.
I am a 1998 Pike Graduate. I am a seasoned electrician. I have degreed in Political Science, History, and Law. I am a Pike business owner. I have a long history of civic service, including Past President of the Pike Kiwanis, Montgomery Lodge #31 F & AM Member, coached baseball/softball for 20 years, and have volunteered as Pike Rec Board Chairman for the past decade. I have presented at Commission meetings and have attended many city council and local board meetings over the years.
I have past generations that push me and a future generation that is pulling me. With God as my compass, I aim to be a Commissioner that will let neither down. This community deserves active and involved leadership.
I humbly request your vote on May 19th,
Chris Childress
Candidate for Commissioner, District 2
Chris@childressjustice.com
Tim Guy
Hello Pike County, Commissioner Tim Guy here from District 2. It’s election time again and I humbly ask for your vote and continued support! For nearly 12 years, I have worked to move Pike County forward while protecting the values that make our community special. I have been a part of a lot of positive things happening here in Pike County. Together we have made real progress. I have been determined and successful in getting more roads paved, and working with the IDA to bring good businesses here to our county, while still trying to keep Pike County rural and as country as possible. I can also say I have always voted to roll back the millage rate, hoping to ease the tax burden for my constituents and the all of the citizens of Pike County.
I am running for re-election because I believe our work is not finished. My vision for the next 4 years is to work closely with our county manager, staff and department heads to put a comprehensive plan in place to handle the overwhelming growth that is coming to Pike County and is already here. Pike County is at a critical point, with continued growth bringing opportunity and challenges. We need experienced, steady leadership to guide us through this next chapter-someone who understands our community, listens to its people, and is committed to making thoughtful, responsible decisions. Managing growth responsibly through strategic planning and teamwork is critical. Through planning and teamwork, we will work hard to make sure Pike keeps a hometown feeling.
Over the past few years our staff has worked closely with our grant writer and we have obtained over $3 million in grant funding for projects throughout the county. These types of improvements for the county are reasons I want to continuing working with and for you. My goal is to continue to work with you to make Pike County a better place to live for you, your families, children and grandchildren, as well as mine.
I would really appreciate your prayers, support and vote on May 19th 2026. Please remember you can vote early as well, and every vote counts and is very important. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly, and I look forward to continuing this work together. God bless you and God bless Pike County.
Sincerely,
Tim Guy
District 2 County Commissioner
tguy@pikecoga.gov
770-567-3406
Pike County Board of Education District 1
Pike County Board of Education District 1 has one candidate: Incumbent Brian Hubbard. Brian will continue for the next term of office.
Pike County Board of Education District 2
Pike County Board of Education District 2 (Incumbent Allen Edwards) has one candidate: Shelby Pullin. Shelby will begin the next term of office on January 1, 2027.
Pike County Board of Education District 6
Pike County Board of Education District 6 has one candidate: Incumbent Floyd Miller. Floyd will continue for the next term of office.
STATE HOUSE AND SENATE SEATS
State House District 135
State House District 135 has one candidate: Incumbent Beth Camp. Rep. Camp will continue for the next term of office.
State Senate District 16
State Senate District 16 has several candidates: Incumbent Marty Harbin on the Republican ballot, Challenger Pauline Henley, and Challenger Sonya Wimberley Hawkins on the Democratic ballot.
The winner of the Democratic Primary will run against Republican Incumbent Marty Harbin in November.
Democratic Primary State Senate District 16
Sonya Wimberley Hawkins
Sonya Wimberly Hawkins is a community advocate, leader, and candidate for Georgia State Senate District 16. A proud 26-year resident of Fayetteville, Georgia, Sonya brings a deep understanding of the challenges facing everyday families, and a lifelong commitment to doing something about them.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a minor in Political Science from Saint Leo College, which has shaped her understanding of social systems, public policy, and community advocacy.
Rooted in both her upbringing and lived experiences, Sonya has dedicated her life to showing up, speaking out, and advocating for those who are too often overlooked. Her commitment to public service began early, including volunteering as a student during a historic gubernatorial race that underscored the importance of standing up for justice, democracy, and the power of the people’s voice.
Her campaign is focused on the issues that matter most to District 16: protecting voting rights, strengthening economic development, improving maternal health outcomes, and ensuring access to quality education. Sonya believes that every Georgian deserves access to quality healthcare, fair wages, real opportunity, and a voice that is never suppressed.
As a mother and advocate, Sonya believes that policy is personal. She has witnessed firsthand how gaps in maternal healthcare put women at risk—especially Black women—and is committed to advancing solutions that save lives. She understands the importance of investing in local economies to create sustainable, good-paying jobs, and as the daughter of an educator, she knows that access to a quality education can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Coming from a family of activists, Sonya carries a deep respect for the power of the vote and the responsibility to protect it.
Sonya is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the NAACP, the Fayette County Democrats, and is a voting member of the Democratic Party of Georgia. Through these affiliations, she remains deeply engaged in civic leadership, advocacy, and community empowerment.
Sonya Wimberly Hawkins is not a career politician; she is a fighter for the people. Her campaign is built on accountability, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to serving District 16 with integrity and purpose. She is running to build a stronger, more equitable Georgia for all.
campaigntoelectsonyawimberly@gmail.com
(770) 800-7928
Pauline Henley
I am Pauline Henley, and I am stepping forward to run for the Georgia State Senate District 16 because service is all I know.
Born in Concord, Georgia, I joined the Army at the age of 17 and went on to serve more than 40 years in federal service—both in uniform and as a civilian—retiring from the Department of Defense in 2023. Throughout my career, I have been entrusted with leadership roles that demanded integrity, accountability, and the ability to bring people together.
I am inspired by God and guided by integrity, anchored in purpose, and strengthened by faith. These values have defined my life of service and will guide my work in the Senate.
I have led military teams, managed complex federal operations, and worked across diverse groups to accomplish shared missions. I believe that when we work together with clarity and purpose, there is no challenge we cannot meet.
I am running to continue the fight I began when I first put on the uniform—to serve my country and my people, all people.
My campaign is about building more than a candidacy. It is about building a future rooted in transparency, collaboration, teamwork, and faith.
Georgians deserve leaders who communicate openly, work across differences, and put people over politics. I believe in a campaign with the people—because to succeed, we need one another.
Through collective action and one voice, we can accomplish more together than any of us can alone.
henleyforsenatedistrict16@gmail.com
(804) 943-6915
CLOSING
The City of Concord does not have any open seats for election this year.
The Pike County Board of Elections and Registration announces that the Advance Voting location has been relocated from the Board of Elections Office to the J. Joel Edwards Public Library, located at 7077 Highway 19 South, Zebulon, Georgia. Advance Voting for the May 19, 2026, General Primary and City of Williamson Special Election, will begin Monday April 27, 2026, at 9am and will continue Monday through Saturday 9am – 5pm until May 15, 2026. Click here for more information: http://pikecountytimes.com/secondary/advancevoting4.13.26.html
Statewide elections will include Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, Attorney General, Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner, Labor Commissioner, Secretary of State, State School Superintendent, and Public Service Commissioner District 3 and 5 as well as some judicial seats.
Federal elections will include U.S House of Representatives, District 3 (Incumbent Brian Jack) and U.S. Senate (Incumbent Jon Ossoff).
The General Primary will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Advance Voting Dates will be April 27 - May 15, 2026.
The General Primary Election Runoff will be held on June 16, 2026.
The General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Go to the Georgia My Voter Page at https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/ to check your voter registration, poll location, early voting locations, and sample ballots for upcoming elections.
Thank you to First Bank of Pike for sponsoring Pike County Times’ Breaking News Alerts! First Bank of Pike has been serving customers in Pike County and the surrounding area since 1901 and offers Personal and Business banking with a personal touch. Services include checking, savings, money market, certificates of deposit, and IRA’s. Mobile Banking and Bill Payment services are also available! Click here for more. Please let First Bank of Pike know that you appreciate their sponsorship of Breaking News Alerts on Pike County's only FREE online newspaper!
INFORMATION ABOUT RECEIVING BREAKING NEWS ALERTS CAN BE FOUND, HERE.
Thanks for reading and supporting Pike County Times.com!