www.venmo.com/u/pikecountytimes, $pikecountytimes, and PayPal.Me/PikeCountyTimesLLC.
Editor Becky Watts: Phone # 770-468-7583 editor(@)pikecountytimes.com
Consider buying an advertisement for your business or sending a donation to Pike County Times 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 - Since Rep. Drew Ferguson advised that he would not be running for re-election, many candidates have qualified to run for US Representative District 3 on the Republican and Democratic ballots on May 21, 2024. On the Republican ballot are: Jim Bennett, Mike Crane, Mike Dugan, Brian Jack, and Philip Singleton. On the Democratic ballot are: Val Almonord and Maura Keller.
Pike County Times contacted each candidate and requested the following: "Please send a 500 word or less statement about why you're running for office and why you're the best candidate to editor@pikecountytimes.com so I can print it on an election information page. Please include your contact information, website, etc. [Note from the Editor: PLEASE NOTE: I will not be printing anything that says anything about your opponents. This is strictly why you are the best candidate for whatever office you're running for.]"
Pike County Times will continue adding biographies as they are received. Republican and Democratic biographies are listed on this page. Scroll down for more information about each candidate. Info is included for websites, etc. even if Pike County Times has not received a bio at this time.
JIM BENNETT
I am Jim Bennett and I want to be your next congressman. I have lived, loved, fought and bled for the third district. I am a former police officer and a former commodity manager.
I was a SWAT officer, who often did high risk warrant service for our multijurisdictional Drug task force. I was a sergeant at 23 and I also began teaching at the Georgia Police Academy at 23. I left law enforcement because Laura, who was also a young officer, and I were starving and couldn't afford our rent, our food and our growing family!
I became a global commodity manager, and oversaw a +$100 million spend for Carlisle. Laura and I have been married for 35 years. She has graced me with a son and a daughter and they have given us six grandchildren.
In my pursuit of public service, my platform revolves around the fundamental principles of life, liberty, and happiness. I am committed to securing our borders and initiating deportation proceedings for those who threaten our nation's safety. Our law enforcement agencies deserve unwavering support, including the provision of necessary tools, protection, and fair salaries to carry out their vital duties effectively.
I staunchly oppose the notion of endless wars and advocate for redirecting our military's focus to safeguarding our nation, free from any 'woke' agenda. The right of the people to keep and bear arms, as enshrined in our Constitution, is a cornerstone of our freedom and must be fiercely protected.
I firmly believe that our unalienable rights are inherent and cannot be granted or limited by the government. As such, I am committed to restoring the Tenth Amendment and reducing the size and scope of the federal government, empowering individuals and communities alike.
In pursuit of happiness, I propose transformative reforms such as replacing the IRS with a fair tax system, subjecting federal regulation to congressional approval, and championing parents' rights in education through school choice initiatives.
I am dedicated to unleashing America's energy potential through initiatives like "Drill, Baby, Drill" while ensuring that organizations receiving federal funds adhere to meritocracy principles.
Furthermore, I pledge to uphold fiscal responsibility by opposing any increase in the debt ceiling and combating inflation to safeguard our economic future. Accountability and transparency are paramount, which is why I advocate for term limits for Congress and immediate action against bureaucratic overreach through a Deep State Bill upon taking office.
In conclusion, my candidacy offers a bold vision rooted in timeless principles, promising prosperity, security, and empowerment for all Americans. Together, we can build a brighter future founded on the values of life, liberty, and happiness.
Find out more at:
https://jimbennett.us/
https://twitter.com/j_g_bennett
https://www.facebook.com/JimBennettForGeorgia
MIKE CRANE
As the only candidate who makes his home in a rural community, I see how national issues are harming our own little Mayberries. Fentanyl and Open Borders are killing rural America. We must immediately regain full operational control of our borders and control ALL access through our borders. We must stop the flow of poison that is killing more Americans each year than died in the whole Vietnam War.
Rebuilding our economy means focusing on jobs for rural America and putting an end to spiraling debt, the establishment of sound monetary policy, and the elimination of bureaucratic creep into every part our lives. It means future security for our families who should be able to confidently save and invest for the future without fear of inflation brought by bad government policies. It means the American dream of financial independence is reachable for all.
I pledge to eliminate the infiltration of "woke" ideologies from our schools. It's time to prioritize an education system that champions traditional American values and history. Let's put America and our children first by burying these divisive ideologies and ensuring our children are educated with truth at the forefront.
Too many uninvestigated irregularities in Georgia’s elections have eroded public trust in the election process. The most secure elections are the ones that have the fewest opportunities for cheating or fraud. We must strengthen our elections to minimize these weaknesses. We must continue to work to ensure that every legitimate vote is counted in every election, every time.
I would be honored by your vote and you can learn more are https://www.craneforcongress.com/.
- Mike Crane, Franklin GA (population 950)
https://www.craneforcongress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/mikecraneforamerica/
https://twitter.com/craneforamerica
MIKE DUGAN
My name is Mike Dugan. I’m an Army Ranger, a businessman, and conservative who’s spent more than 30 years serving our state and country. I’m running for Congress in Georgia’s 3rd District because I’ve always been driven by a sense of duty, and a focus on results, whether it was growing up in Carrollton, or spending time in the Army and Georgia Senate.
My mother was a school teacher. My father was a professor and Athletic Director at West Georgia. They raised four children — I’m the youngest. They fostered several other children while we were growing upmany more, and were always active in the community.
From an early age, I learned the importance of a quality education, athletics and the arts, and the values I saw my parents live every single day shaped my drive to work hard and serve.
I graduated from Bowdon High School, got a History Degree from West Georgia, and enlisted in the U.S. Army. I met a girl named Missy, earned her love, and she became my wife, and she’s an amazing mother to our two kids — Meghan and Beau. Missy and I are celebrating 37 years of marriage this year, and I couldn’t be more thankful for her and our family.
During my time as an Army Ranger, I learned so much about leadership, which has carried over to my work as a father, a grandfather on the construction site, and in the legislature. I learned:
• Leadership means making tough decisions.
• Leadership means working for your soldiers. They don't work for you.
• Leadership means eating last. That's because if there's a problem, you're the only one who can fix it.
• Leadership means admitting when you're wrong, owning it and never making that mistake again.
I carried these leadership lessons into my time in the General Assembly:
• We cut taxes 3 times and returned $2B to hard-working Georgians. That's because it's your money, not the government's.
• We protected the sanctity of life and passed the heartbeat bill when everyone said it was too hard or too controversial.
• We passed constitutional carry so law-abiding citizens can protect their family, their property and their freedoms.
• We passed the most rigorous election integrity bill in the country, which has been copied by 15 other states, so it's easier to vote but harder to cheat.
• We created a pro-jobs, pro-business, pro-family climate here in Georgia that's the envy of the nation.
I'm asking you to send me to Washington to lead for you, for your families, for our state. And I promise you this:
• I promise you will always know where I stand.
• I promise I will be responsive to you, whom I serve.
• I promise to be a leader of which you can be proud.
• I promise I will be a leader who eats last.
I'm asking for your vote and God bless you, your families and the great state of Georgia.
https://www.facebook.com/MikeDuganGA03/
https://twitter.com/mikeduganga03
BRIAN JACK
Brian Jack is one of President Trump’s most-trusted allies who has worked by his side for the last 8 years to Make America Great Again.
A 6th-generation Georgian, Brian was raised in Fayette County, and is a graduate of Woodward Academy, where he played basketball and baseball.
With an early passion for service to his community, Brian spent his summers during college working at Peachtree City Hall, helping build the city’s comprehensive plan.
Following graduation from Pepperdine University, Brian pursued a career in advocacy for conservative values, working for Dr. Ben Carson and the movement to strengthen the United States-Israel relationship.
In 2016, Brian joined President Trump’s campaign, where he led the effort to defeat the Never Trump opposition during the contentious Republican primaries.
Brian worked in The White House from the first to last day of President Trump’s Administration.
President Trump appointed Brian to serve as the White House Political Director, responsible for implementing the President’s America First agenda.
Brian worked by President Trump’s side to Stop Illegal Immigration, Pass Historic Tax Cuts, Confirm Conservative Judges, and Eliminate Needless Regulations.
Brian delivered America First results for Georgia for four years in President Trump’s White House. He is now asking you for your vote to deliver America First results in Congress.
President Trump needs strong, tested, and trusted allies in Congress to reverse what Joe Biden and the Radical Left have done to destroy this country. That is why President Trump has endorsed Brian Jack to be the next Congressman for Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District.
Brian pledges to be a strong, accountable, and conservative leader for the 3rd District and looks forward to earning your support.
Brian spoke at the Pike County GOP meeting on Tuesday, April 16th.
You can support Brian's at the following locations online:
Website: https://brianjack.com/
X: https://twitter.com/briantjack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Brian-Jack-for-Congress/
PHILIP SINGLETON
Philip Singleton: The Warrior We Need
I am Philip Singleton, a conservative warrior ready to represent Georgia's 3rd Congressional District. Born and raised in this district, I have a deep understanding of the values and concerns of our community.
After the tragic events of September 11th, I joined the Georgia Army National Guard and served as an active-duty officer for 13 years. Flying Apache helicopters in combat zones, I earned two bronze star medals and five air medals for my bravery. My experience defending our nation has taught me the importance of strong leadership and unwavering commitment to our principles.
As a State House representative, I fearlessly fought for conservative values. I stood up against the radical left and the establishment to protect innocent lives, defend our constitutional rights and elections, and preserve the integrity of girls' sports. I also worked tirelessly to safeguard our children from street gangs, predators, and the harmful influence of Critical Race Theory. I never backed down, even when it meant challenging members of my own party, because our liberties and principles are worth fighting for.
Currently serving as Chief of Staff to Georgia Congressman Rich McCormick, I have gained invaluable insights into the workings of Washington D.C. and the tactics used by the radical left. I am a proud pro-life Christian and will always be a strong advocate for the sanctity of life. I pledge to support any legislation that advances the pro-life and personhood movements.
My mission is clear: to defeat evil, rein in federal spending, and cut the bureaucratic red tape that hinders our progress. In the state legislature, I consistently voted against bad budgets, regardless of party affiliation. I understand the urgency of protecting our children's future from the radical left's agenda, the burden of a crippling national debt, and the indoctrination taking place in our schools.
As a father, former Army soldier, and state legislator, I am deeply committed to preserving our rights and liberties. I have the vision, strategy, and knowledge to effectively represent Georgia's 3rd Congressional District. With your support, together we can ensure that the values of our community are heard and protected in Washington D.C.
Join me in this crucial Republican primary and let us make a difference for Georgia and our great nation. Together, we can build a brighter future for our children and defend the principles that make America strong.
https://www.singletonforcongress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Philip4Liberty
https://twitter.com/Philip4Liberty
MAURA KELLER
My name is Maura Keller, and I am a Democratic candidate running for Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District. I live in Fayetteville, Georgia with my husband, David, and we share four children, two grandchildren, and two dogs. Until recently, I was working at Atlanta’s VA as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, and every day I would see our veterans being underserved and not always quality care. I did my best to help, but I needed to do something bigger that could actually effect change: run for office. Alongside attacks on women’s rights and our state ranking 41st for health care, this was enough for me to quit my job and take a leap of faith.
My career started in 1978 when I enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Military Policewoman, and I went on to receive numerous honors, including the General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award. I retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 26 years and became an analyst, taking independent contracts with companies for the Under Secretary of the Department of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. These professional experiences taught me how to be a leader through effective communication and listening skills. I knew that every decision I made would affect the soldier in the field, and this philosophy will guide me as I make decisions for District 3.
The issues I care about include: raising the minimum wage, reducing health care costs, protecting social security, immigration reform, climate change, voting rights, education, gun safety, and defending our LGBTQIA+ community.
Women’s rights are also a huge part of my platform. My children and grandchildren now have less rights than I did, and I don’t want them to spend their lives fighting for the same freedoms that previous generations have had to. I am a passionate advocate for the Equal Rights Amendment and this is something I intend to support in Congress. When I win, I will become the first woman to ever hold office in Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District. If we have more women in Congress, we can protect reproductive rights, IVF, access to contraception, and equal pay.
In Georgia, we are facing a maternal health care crisis, and women and children are losing their lives far too often because our services are crumbling. We are one of the highest ranking states for rural hospital closures and many counties in Georgia do not have OB/GYN services. These issues disproportionately affect people of color, and it’s time that we end the racial health care gap, and invest in health care across the board.
I think I’m the right candidate for District 3 as I am not afraid to speak truth to power. I will work for the people, not the party. I will be accountable and dedicated to our district, and will use my experience as an analyst to make sure no stone is left unturned. After my service in the Army and as a health care worker, I am now ready to serve the American people in Congress.
Website: www.maurakeller.com/
Email: maura@maura4ga3.com
Phone: 404-482-0864
Tiktok/Instagram/Youtube: @getmorewithmaura
Facebook: Maura Keller for Congress
Reddit: r/maurakeller
VAL ALMONORD
Biography information will be uploaded when it is received.
https://almonordforcongress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Almonordforcongress
https://twitter.com/valforcongress3
https://www.facebook.com/AlmonordforcongressClosing
The winner of both the Republican and Democratic Primary in May will face each other in November to win this seat.
For more information about the May 21, 2024 election including early voting dates and times, Saturday voting, and how to obtain an absentee ballot, go to: pikecountytimes.com/secondary/BREAKINGNEWSelection2024info.html.