2026 Georgia Primary Election

Democrat

Nonpartisan

Republican

2026 Georgia Primary Runoff

Benjamin Straker

Benjamin Straker earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing from Baruch College and a master's degree in business administration from Clayton State University. He lives with his two children in Rex, Georgia. 

Benjamin Straker / Ballotpedia

Benjamin currently serves as a member of the Clayton County Board of Education for District 9 in Georgia. He was first elected in 2016 and was reelected in 2022.

Benjamin currently works as a community leader and advocate. He previously worked in community outreach and grassroots organizing.

As of March 11, 2026, Benjamin Augustus Straker Sr.’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Access to Education

Supports ensuring every student has a tailored pathway—via Dual Enrollment or career academies—to reach a 90%+ district-wide graduation rate.

- Supports ensuring every student has a tailored pathway—via Dual Enrollment or career academies—to reach a 90%+ district-wide graduation rate.

School Curriculum

School Facilities & Resources

Promises to oversee the implementation of next-generation security technology in all buildings while doubling down on restorative justice and mental health resources to address the "root causes of conflict."

- Promises to oversee the implementation of next-generation security technology in all buildings while doubling down on restorative justice and mental health resources to address the "root causes of conflict."

Student Wellbeing

Committed to leading the metro area in teacher pay, long-term retention, and staff mental health support.

- Committed to leading the metro area in teacher pay, long-term retention, and staff mental health support.

Teachers

Twitter

Facebook

Benjamin Augustus Straker Sr.

Benjamin Straker is originally from Brooklyn, New York. He earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing from Baruch College and a master's degree in business administration from Clayton State University. He lives with his two children in Rex, Georgia. 

As of March 11, 2026, Benjamin Augustus Straker Sr. did not have a website or any information online.

Alejandra Gracias

Matthew Tomas

Sahid Burgos

Buket Urgen

Cassandra Brown Henry attended Saint Leo University.

Cassandra has worked as an educator in Clayton County for over 13 years.

As of March 11, 2026, Cassandra Brown Henry did not have a website or any information online.

Prioritizes empowering growth in every student.

- Prioritizes empowering growth in every student.

Cassandra Brown Henry

Janice Barbee

Community Spotlight: Trina Kolawole, Experience, Service, and a Commitment to Clayton County’s Families

Trina Allen Kolawole lives in Clayton County with her husband and three children. She is currently a trustee for the county library system.   

Trina's campaign for Clayton County Board of Education is her first run for public office.

Trina has worked in banking and public finance. With her husband, she co-founded "The Best of Clayton County," an online platform highlighting good news.

As of March 11, 2026, Trina Allen Kolawole did not have a website or any information online.

Prioritizes "responsible financial management."

- Prioritizes "responsible financial management."

LinkedIn

Trina Allen Kolawole

Trina has worked in banking and public finance.  With her husband, she co-founded "The Best of Clayton County," an online platform highlighting good news.

- The Board of Education runs the public school system. The Board of Education is entirely independent from the rest of the county government.
- Board of Education members work together to make school policy, set the budget, and appoint the superintendent to run the schools day to day.
- Board of Education members are elected to four-year terms in nonpartisan elections.

Part of the board that governs your county's public school system

Clayton County Board of Education Member, District 9, Democratic Primary

Election results

Runoff election

Candidates (3)

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Access to Education

School Curriculum

School Facilities & Resources

Student Wellbeing

Teachers