Middle Georgia voters return to polls for state Senate runoff

Credit: Courtesy photos

Credit: Courtesy photos

Brown, a former Fort Valley councilman and small business owner, said when he learned the seat was open, he decided to try for the higher office.

“I just thought, if I really want to help my community and the communities around me it would be beneficial to seek higher office,” Brown said.

McNeel is running for public office for the first time. He said he has a diverse set of skills that position him to serve his district. He said he’s worked at his family’s construction business, now works as an attorney and manages a timber farm.

“My broad, broad background allows me to understand that the issues addressing people from biggest cities in this district to the most rural parts of our district,” he said.

Democrats have made it a point to challenge every race for the past year’s several special elections, overperforming in districts routinely held by Republicans.

In most cases where a runoff was required, the Democrat narrowed the point spread with the Republican candidate, but ultimately lost. A Democrat flipped an Athens-area House seat last year.

Brown, 40, said he thinks he’ll also be able to pull out a win next week.

“I have Republicans coming and saying, ‘Hey, we used to vote Republican, but we’re going to vote for you because we understand what you’re talking about. You’re an everyday person. People can relate to you,’” he said.

But McNeel, 46, said he feels good going into election night.

“Campaigning is getting better and better,” McNeel said. “It certainly helps having Gov. (Brian) Kemp and Lt. Gov. (Burt) Jones’ endorsement. And I have the (Senate) Republican Caucus and the state party’s endorsements.”

Both men say they are ready for this shortened campaign season to end.

Brownsaid the main thing voters have been talking to him about as he campaigns is cost of living.

“Affordability is a big issue,” he said. “And I know it sounds like a buzzword, because you hear it a lot,” he said. “People are, you know, losing their homes. You know, they’re having to decide between daycare and health care and putting food on the table, gas in the cart.”

McNeel said affordability is an often-heard concern when he’s campaigning as well.

“I think people want to see some meaningful property tax reform that they can A, understand and B, say it’s a fair system,” he said. “I’m an advocate for eventually — not immediately — but eventually, eliminate the state income individual income tax so that we don’t lose (business) and people to our neighboring states to the north and south of us."

Early voting began Monday. Election day is Feb. 17.