Early voting begins in Columbus as parties clash over Georgia governor’s race

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Early voting began Monday in Muscogee County, where voters are choosing leaders including the next mayor of Columbus.

Both parties are pushing voters to the polls. Democrats held a press conference Monday criticizing the two Republican candidates for Georgia governor, while Republicans pointed to the past two decades of economic growth under their leadership.

Democrats held a news conference at the city services center arguing Georgia needs change, while Republicans said the state is thriving under their leadership and urged supporters to get out and vote.

Democrats criticize Republican candidates

“The republicans have spent their entire primary trying to decide who’s most like Trump, and who can take the most from the people of Georgia,” said Carolyn Hugley, who represents House District 141.

Democratic candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms will be on the ballot for the Democrats in November. Republicans will know their candidate on June 16 as candidates Burt Jones and Rick Jackson will face off in a runoff.

During the press conference, local Democrats said both Republican candidates are running for their own personal gain instead of serving the people.

“They both oppose Medicaid expansion which has resulted in rural hospitals shutting down left and right and has left to many communities without care,” said Marquese Averett, a candidate for District 140.

Republicans defend record

“We’ve got two great candidates. I think either one of them will be the governor and Georgia will continue to move forward,” said Alton Russell, former chair of the Muscogee County Republican Party.

Russell said economic growth in Georgia has been strong for the past 24 years because of Republican leadership.

“Economic growth in Georgia has been great for the past 24 years and I think it’s because of republican leadership. I think the success of Georgia being 10 or 12 years in a row being the best state to do business is proof of that,” Russell said.

Russell said it’s important for everyone to head to the polls because new leadership can impact everyone.

“If you want to make a change you need to figure out who’s your candidate and get out and vote for that candidate to make sure we do get lower prices and we do get the things done that need to be done,” Russell said.

“This election we are not allowing the Republican Party to slip by on ignoring what’s currently happening. Folks are sick and tired of it, we are not going to sit here and pretend people don’t feel the pain because they do. Folks are ready for a better Georgia, better America and it’s going to start in November,” said Teddy Reese, a candidate for Senate District 15.

Early voting will be at the city services center this week from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

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