State House District 18 in Georgia State House District 18, Georgia

2026 Primary Election

• Frank Douglas Phillips — Business owner in Buchanan, GA

  Frank Phillips, a Republican, is campaigning for Georgia House District 18, which encompasses Haralson, Carroll, and Paulding Counties. A Marine Corps veteran and business owner, he moved to Haralson County in 2019 and established a successful restaurant business. His platform emphasizes family, public safety, and fiscal restraint, driven by his experience with government overreach impacting new businesses. Phillips is active in Republican committees and local non-profits, having served on the Haralson County Zoning Appeals board. He and his wife Danielle, with whom he has five daughters, are members of a local Baptist Church.

• Tyler Paul Smith — Incumbent Georgia State Representative, Attorney, and Farmer in Atlanta, GA

  Tyler Paul Smith is an incumbent Republican Georgia State Representative for District 18, serving the counties of Carroll, Haralson, and Paulding. Professionally, he is an attorney and farmer, and chairs the Judiciary Non-Civil committee. He is seeking re-election in the 2026 Georgia Primary. His legislative priorities include ensuring safe communities, improving education, advocating for smaller government, safeguarding Second Amendment rights, and reducing the tax burden on citizens. He maintains an office in the State Capitol in Atlanta.

• Pat Rhudy — Chair of the Carroll County Democratic Party in Carrollton, GA

  Pat Rhudy is a Democratic Party candidate seeking to represent Georgia House District 18 in the May 19, 2026 primary election. A resident of Carrollton, Rhudy is the chair of the Carroll County Democratic Party. Her professional experience includes working as a substitute teacher in Carroll County high schools and serving as a field representative for the U.S. Census Bureau in Carroll and Haralson counties. Rhudy has run for this seat in several previous elections, including in 2022. She aims to be a representative who listens and works effectively with local industry and government to foster continued growth in Carrollton and extend it to Haralson County.