House District 23 runoff pits Republican Bill Fincher against Democrat Scott Sanders

A Republican and a Democrat will face off Tuesday in a runoff election for House District 23.

Republican Bill Fincher and Democrat Scott Sanders both won around 27% of the vote during the special election Dec. 8, but both failed to garner 50% plus one vote to call a victory.

The special election was called after state Rep. Mandi Ballinger passed away in October after a long battle with cancer.

The Cherokee County district went to Trump in 2024, when he won 69% of the vote.

Fincher’s priorities

Fincher’s campaign website lists three priorities: public safety, infrastructure and education. Fincher has a background as a prosecutor and law enforcement professional and advocates to strengthen public safety and support law enforcement.

He plans to partner with the Georgia Department of Transportation to improve mobility and says he will be a “champion” of Cherokee County Public Schools.

Sanders’ priorities

Sanders’ campaign website also focuses on three priorities: education, healthcare and affordability and public services and infrastructure. For education, Sanders plans to increase funding and review restrictions on curriculum. 

“I want to make us a model for what education can be and this takes a long term view and dedication to achieve,” reads Sanders’ website.

In healthcare and affordability, Sanders says he will explore any option that can reduce costs for Georgians quickly and provide better healthcare coverage. Sanders also says he wants to increase funding for first responders and infrastructure.

Democrats hold 81 seats in the state House, a 180-member body.