State House District 177 in Georgia State House District 177, Georgia

2026 Primary Election

• Alvin Payton Jr. — Retired politician in Valdosta, Georgia, GA

  Alvin Payton Jr., born in Valdosta, Georgia, is a seasoned public servant and candidate for the Georgia House of Representatives District 177. He holds a bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University, and master's and Ph.D. degrees from Valdosta State University. His professional background includes roles as an administrator for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, general manager for Payton Floor Covering, and a senior administrator for Wiregrass Georgia Technical College. A retired politician, he previously served 12 years on the Valdosta City Council, with 10 years as Mayor Pro Tempore, retiring in 2018. Payton is making his second bid for the District 177 seat, leveraging his prior council experience to prepare for state-level politics. He has notably pledged his support for congressional term limits.

• Blake Alexander Robinson — Political consultant in Valdosta, GA

  Blake Alexander Robinson, a 23-year-old Valdosta native, is a Democratic candidate for Georgia House District 177 in the 2026 primary. He graduated from Lowndes High School and earned Political Science and Criminal Justice degrees from Georgia Southern University in 2024. Robinson previously served as chief of staff for State Senator RaShaun Kemp and held leadership roles in youth Democratic organizations. His platform, built on "Affordability, Opportunity, and Community," addresses high costs of living, advocating for affordable housing, groceries, healthcare, childcare, and education. He also champions veterans' support, school funding reform, expanded maternal and child healthcare, and reproductive freedom. Identifying as a working-class candidate, Robinson aims to deliver real solutions for his community.

• Elsie Cason Napier — Public health professional and pastor in Valdosta, GA

  Elsie Cason Napier is a Democratic candidate for the Georgia House of Representatives, District 177, in the 2026 Primary Election. A first-time political candidate, she has dedicated over 40 years to public health, starting as a nurse practitioner and currently serving as a PRN hospice worker and pastor with TEACH Outreach Ministries. Napier’s campaign focuses on uniting the community and improving communication across South Georgia. Her key policy priorities include enhancing the education system, improving healthcare, and addressing affordable housing and homelessness. Her campaign motto is F.A.C.E., standing for Faithful, Accountable, Committed, and Empowered, aiming to put people first.

• Eric G Howard — Incumbent Valdosta City Council - District 4 in Valdosta, GA

  Eric Howard, a Democratic politician, has served Valdosta’s 4th District on the City Council since 2017. He is actively seeking to represent District 177 in the Georgia House of Representatives, running in both the 2026 Democratic primary and a special election runoff. Howard advocates for fairness and aims to be a "selfish" candidate for District 177, prioritizing wins for the Valdosta area. A key focus of his campaign is justice system reform, particularly for the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, which he believes contributes significantly to local crime rates. He seeks to replace former Rep. Dexter Sharper.

• Kristina Cheek Mcbride — Certified Doula, Executive Director of Sista Girl Birth Initiative, Certified Lactation Consultant in Valdosta, GA

  Kristina Cheek McBride is a Democratic candidate for Georgia House of Representatives District 177, running in the May 19, 2026 primary. A certified doula, executive director of Sista Girl Birth Initiative, and Southern Georgia Black Chambers brand ambassador, she also serves as a Certified Lactation Consultant, actively supporting mothers in their breastfeeding journeys. McBride, who moved to Valdosta, Georgia, from Silver Spring, Maryland, has a background in political science and interned with Maryland Rep. Albert Wynn. Her campaign is centered on fostering economic opportunity and equality, with key policy positions including advocating for affordable housing, extended healthcare for families, and supporting small businesses. Her passion for maternal health heavily influences her political involvement, aiming to connect policy work with community needs. She previously sought the District 177 seat in a special general election on May 12, 2026, where she was unsuccessful.