2026 Georgia Primary Election

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2026 Georgia Primary Runoff

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Barry Irwin earned his bachelor's degree in political science and government from the University of Georgia.

Who’s Running for Office in Athens-Clarke County?

Barry's campaign for County Commissioner is his first run for public office.

Birwin Law

Barry has worked as an attorney specializing in criminal defense and consumer bankruptcy.

As of March 11, 2026, Barry Irwin did not have a website.

Economy

Public Services

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment

As of March 11, 2026, Barry Irwin did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Barry Irwin

Alejandra Gracias

Matthew Tomas

Nandini Polarouthu

Buket Urgen

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Ovita Thornton - Athens Political Nerd

Ovita Thornton is from Athens, Georgia. She earned her bachelor's degree from Mary McLeod Bethune University. 

Ovita Thornton County Commissioner - Ballotpedia

Ovita currently serves as a Clarke County Commissioner, District 9. She was first elected in 2018 and is currently serving her 2nd term. Ovita previously served as a member of the Clark County Board of Education. She served terms from 2002 to 2018. 

Ovita is the executive director of the Georgia Clients Council.

As of March 11, 2026, Ovita Thornton’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Has raised concerns about government programs addressing homelessness and poverty.

- Has raised concerns about government programs addressing homelessness and poverty.

Supports criminal justice reforms, including expungement for certain minor offenses and bail reforms.

- Supports criminal justice reforms, including expungement for certain minor offenses and bail reforms.

Support infrastructure improvements in District 9, including streetlights, bridge repairs, and pedestrian paths.

- Support infrastructure improvements in District 9, including streetlights, bridge repairs, and pedestrian paths.

Opposes increases to the stormwater management fee.

- Opposes increases to the stormwater management fee.

Athens commissioner’s DUI case resolved by plea deal - Classic City News

Pleaded no contest to reckless driving in 2025 following a 2023 crash; sentenced to 12 months probation and fines.

- Pleaded no contest to reckless driving in 2025 following a 2023 crash; sentenced to 12 months probation and fines.

Ovita Thornton

Ovita is the executive director of the Georgia Clients Council. She is also a board member at the Economic Justice Coalition. 

Emileigh Crouch

Tracy is a community leader and advocate.

Tracy Smith is a dedicated community leader and advocate.

Tracy Smith's campaign for Clarke County commissioner to represent District 9 is her first run for public office. 

Supports balanced growth that preserves community character and "strengthens infrastructure. "

- Supports balanced growth that preserves community character and "strengthens infrastructure. "
- Supports small businesses.

Promises protection and increased support to trails and recreational areas.

Supports investment in youth opportunities for the future.

- Promises protection and increased support to trails and recreational areas.
- Supports investment in youth opportunities for the future.

Advocates for increased mental health access and "strategic partnerships for sustainable solutions" to address homelessness.

- Supports affordable housing.
- Advocates for increased mental health access and "strategic partnerships for sustainable solutions" to address homelessness.

Supports building a safer, more affordable, and more connected Athens for every resident.

- Supports building a safer, more affordable, and more connected Athens for every resident.

Promises to improve existing infrastructure.

- Promises to improve existing infrastructure.

As of March 11, 2026, Tracy Smith’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Tracy Smith

Tracy Smith's campaign for Clark County commissioner, District 9, is her first run for public office. 

Rafael Perez

- County Commissioners create and pass laws at the county-level. These laws show up in very tangible ways, such as determining how much you pay in property and sales taxes, public transportation, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners are responsible for preparing and passing the county budget. The budget determines how much funding goes to various public services, such as public transportation, law enforcement, repairing roads, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners oversee the administrative duties of your county’s government to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of county residents.
- County Commissioners are elected to 4-year terms in staggered years. Typically, you only vote for the County Commissioner that represents your county commission district.

Creates new laws and passes the budget for your county

Clarke County Commissioner, District 9

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Runoff election

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