Otha Thornton

Otha Thornton is a candidate for State School Superintendent Georgia Primary Election in 2026 in Statewide, Georgia.

Executive Director in GA

Also running: Fred Jackson Longgrear, Mesha Mainor, Nelva Melissa Lee, Randell Eugene Trammell, Richard Lee Woods, Anton Anthony, Lydia Catalina Powell.

Otha Thornton is a Democratic candidate for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools in the 2026 election, originally from Elberton, Georgia. A decorated U.S. Army veteran, he served from 1989 to 2010, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel with a Bronze Star Medal. Academically, he earned degrees from Morehouse College, Michigan Technological University, and a doctorate from the University of Charleston. His career includes advocacy, executive leadership at Elberton’s Oath, principal consulting, military contracting, and adjunct instruction. As a former National PTA President, Thornton is focused on improving Georgia’s educational outcomes. He advocates for higher teacher pay, loan forgiveness, school safety, workforce development, and parent engagement, aiming to ensure Georgia's children have opportunities.