State House District 120 in Georgia State House District 120, Georgia

2026 Primary Election

• Chad Paton — Tenured Associate Professor in Athens, GA

  Chad Paton, a lifelong conservative, devoted Christian, and tenured associate professor at the University of Georgia, is seeking the Republican nomination for Georgia House District 120 in 2026. Born in Michigan, he served in the U.S. Navy and continues to serve as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve. Paton holds multiple graduate degrees, including a Ph.D. He lives in Athens with his wife, Jamie, and is a member of Grace Fellowship Church in Oconee County. He aims to champion tax reform, support small businesses, invest in infrastructure, defend life, promote sustainable growth, and prioritize public safety, while fighting for family values and fiscal responsibility.

• Gary Ward Black Jr. — Business owner and farmer in GA

  Ward Black, a lifelong Republican, local business owner, and farmer, is a candidate for Georgia House District 120 in the 2026 primary. A University of Georgia graduate, he brings over 15 years of agribusiness, supply chain, and economic development experience. He owns Solid Ground Services and Supply and partners in Harmony Grove Farms and Plant Company. Black serves on multiple agricultural boards. His platform emphasizes infrastructure to reduce traffic, strengthening early literacy, providing resources for law enforcement, and supporting small businesses and farmers. He aims to ensure District 120 offers a safe environment, quality education, and long-term opportunities.

• Mary Suzanna Karatassos — Real estate salesperson in Savannah, GA, GA

  Mary Suzanna Karatassos, also known as Suzanna Karatassos, is a candidate for the Georgia House of Representatives, representing District 120 in the Democratic primary on May 19, 2026. She holds a high school diploma from Clarke Central High School, a bachelor's degree from the Savannah College of Art and Design (2006), and a graduate degree from Academy of Art University (2012). Karatassos has professional experience as a real estate salesperson and in personal care and service occupations. She is 42 years old.