State School Superintendent Georgia in Statewide, Georgia

2026 Primary Election

• Fred Jackson Longgrear — Superintendent of Schools in Metter, GA

  Dr. Fred Jackson Longgrear, also known as "Bubba," is a 29-year veteran educator in Georgia, running for State School Superintendent in the 2026 election. He currently serves as the Superintendent of Schools in Candler County (Metter) for his 11th year, having previously been a teacher, coach, and principal. His platform emphasizes high academic expectations, strong career development (CTAE), and safe learning environments, believing a strong literacy foundation is key. He aims to advocate for public education, collaborate with stakeholders for academic improvement, and "return public education to the families." Longgrear is President of the Georgia School Superintendent Association and serves on Gov. Brian Kemp’s Superintendent Advisory Council. He is married to Lisa Brannen, has three children, and is active in his church in Metter.

• Mesha Mainor — Physical Therapist; Small Business Owner; Doctor Bus. Admin Student in Atlanta, GA

  Mesha Mainor is a former Georgia State Representative who served District 56 from January 2021 to January 2025. She is a physical therapist, a small business owner, a mother of two, and a Doctor of Business Administration student. Mainor switched from the Democratic to the Republican Party in 2023, citing differences over school choice and police funding. She is running for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools in 2026, aiming to bring transparency, accountability, and bold leadership to education. Her platform emphasizes increasing parental involvement, expanding career and trade opportunities, building business partnerships, and ensuring safe schools focused on academics. She believes every child deserves a high-quality education and wants Georgia to be #1 in education.

• Nelva Melissa Lee — Founder and CEO of Concrete Build Financing in GA

  Nelva Lee holds a Ph.D. from Touro University and a graduate degree from Central Michigan University. Her extensive career includes over 20 years in healthcare administration, serving as CEO of a vocational school, and over a decade as an adjunct professor. She is also the Founder and CEO of Concrete Build Financing. A former State Senate candidate, Lee was appointed to the Department of Community Health board by Governor Kemp and is Vice Chairman of the Henry County Pregnancy Resource Center. Running for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools, her platform focuses on education reform, ensuring graduates have trade certifications, and supporting college access, emphasizing a system that benefits all students, including those with learning disabilities.

• Randell Eugene Trammell — National President & CEO in Cartersville, GA

  Dr. Randell E. Trammell is a conservative education leader and lifelong Republican running for Georgia State School Superintendent in 2026. A husband and father of three from Cartersville, he holds a doctorate in education and serves as National President & CEO of the United States Center for Civic Engagement. His campaign prioritizes student success through high standards, transparency, teacher support, and family involvement, aiming to prepare all students for college, career, or military service. He advocates for competitive teacher pay, professional development, and strong school safety with dedicated School Resource Officers. He seeks to restore excellence in Georgia education by putting students, parents, and teachers first.

• Richard Lee Woods — Incumbent State School Superintendent in Atlanta, GA

  Richard Woods serves as Georgia's State School Superintendent, an office he assumed on January 12, 2015. As the administrative head of the Georgia Department of Education, he oversees the state's K-12 public education system, implementing policies set by the state Board of Education and managing school system operations. Woods actively engages with educators and students, providing updates on legislative sessions and soliciting feedback from a Student Advisory Council to shape state-level education decisions. He has officially announced his bid for re-election as State School Superintendent in the 2026 election cycle.

• Anton Anthony — Incumbent Superintendent, Hancock County Schools in Sparta, GA, GA

  Anton Anthony is a Democratic candidate for Georgia State School Superintendent in the May 19, 2026 primary election. Currently serving as Superintendent of Hancock County Schools, he brings extensive experience as an educator, administrator, and business owner across various districts in Georgia. Anthony holds a bachelor's in business management, a master's in the art of teaching, and doctoral degrees in theology and biblical studies. He emphasizes modernizing school operations, developing critical thinking skills in students, and providing tailored, data-driven support to districts. His campaign focuses on practical leadership and expanding opportunities for all students.

• Lydia Catalina Powell — Assistant Principal in GA

  Lydia Catalina Powell is a Democratic candidate for Georgia State School Superintendent in 2026. An educator with over 26 years of experience, including 11 in leadership, she has served as an Assistant Principal in Henry and Fayette County Public Schools and an Adjunct Professor at Thomas University. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration. Powell's platform focuses on universal preschool access, reduced reliance on standardized tests, and prioritizing mental health for students and educators. She advocates for strengthening rural Georgia student support networks, expanding connectivity, and offering advanced coursework. Her campaign emphasizes transparent leadership, high standards for all students, and data-driven decisions to improve achievement. She is endorsed by Gun Sense Voter.

• Otha Thornton — Executive Director in GA

  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.