The race: State school superintendent
Party affiliation: Republican
The lane:
Fred “Bubba” Longgrear is campaigning as a veteran educator and school administrator who says he believes Georgia’s public education system needs fresh leadership.
The basics:
Longgrear has been superintendent of the Candler County School District since 2015 and currently serves as president of the Georgia School Superintendents Association.
Why he’s running:
Longgrear has argued that Georgia’s public schools are experiencing a leadership gap and need a state superintendent who is more engaged with educators, parents and local communities than current Superintendent Richard Woods has been.
What’s working:
Across three decades Longgrear has worked as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent. He has also earned support from several influential Republican leaders, including Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns and other lawmakers who play key roles in shaping education policy.
The challenge:
Longgrear faces the difficult task of unseating an incumbent. Woods has held the office since 2015 and benefits from the advantages of incumbency.
What to watch:
The campaign could become a test of whether Republican voters are seeking a new direction in education leadership. Longgrear has called himself a change candidate.
Campaign website: https://www.bubba4ga.com/
