Republicans, Democrats face off in two GA House special elections next month

Election season is not over for a few Georgia counties. Two special elections will be held for state House seats on Dec. 9 with early voting starting on Nov. 17, according to the Georgia Secretary of State’s website. 

The election for House District 23 will be held in Cherokee County. Scott Sanders is the only Democratic candidate who has qualified for the race, according to the Georgia Secretary of State’s website. There are five Republican candidates: Ann Gazell, Bill Fincher, Brice Futch, Rajpal “Raj” Sagoo, and William Ware. One person will need to receive 50% of the vote plus one to avoid a runoff, which will be held on Jan. 6, if necessary. 

Here’s a little bit about each candidate:

• Scott Sanders: Sanders is the only Democrat in a county that supported President Donald Trump in the 2024 election at 69%. On his candidate website, he states that he believes his constituents can agree on these issues: “education is important, preserving our community is important, and vital services are important.”
• Ann Gazell: She is a retired educator and lists these key issues on her website: ensure election integrity, eliminate the state income tax, protect parental rights in education, stop illegal immigration, and uphold Second Amendment rights.
• Bill Fincher: He is a former assistant district attorney, who now owns an RV park, according to the Georgia Recorder. He told the Georgia Recorder his top priorities are “ensuring election integrity, capping ad valorem taxes and reducing the price of groceries.”
• Brice Futch: He’s a firefighter and paramedic from Canton and previously ran for office in an August special election, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. His candidate website highlights issues, such as safeguarding Georgia values, economic prosperity, and public safety and border security.
• Rajpal “Raj” Sagoo: He is a consultant and Army Reservist. His candidate website states he wants to work towards eliminating the state income tax while also reducing pressure from growing property taxes. He also highlights transportation, small business freedom and education.
• William Ware: Ware is a retired microbiologist, and he told the Georgia Recorder he is running in part to help children in state custody. He also promised to keep an eye on spending.

The election for House District 121 will be held in Clarke and Oconee counties. The qualified candidates are Republican Mack “Dutch” Guest IV and Democrat Eric Martin Gisler.

• Mack “Dutch” Guest IV: He helps operate the LAD Truck Lines and lists his main priorities as improving transportation, strengthening education and keeping communities safe, according to the Georgia Recorder.
• Eric Martin Gisler: He is a tech executive and small business owner and his platform centers on increasing access to health care, addressing affordable housing and strengthening voting rights, according to WABE.