Kandiss Taylor

Kandiss Taylor (Republican Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Georgia's 1st Congressional District. She declared candidacy for the 2026 election.^[source]

Biography

Kandiss Taylor was born in Baxley, Georgia. She received a bachelor's degree in 2003, a master's degree in 2005, and a specialist's degree in 2006 from Georgia Southern University. She also received a Ph.D. from Regent University in 2014. Taylor's professional experience includes working as a student services coordinator and she has been certified in early childhood teaching and in school counseling. She has been affiliated with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators.^[1]

Elections

2026

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for U.S. House Georgia District 1

The following candidates are running in the general election for U.S. House Georgia District 1 on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Defonsio Daniels (D)
		Amanda Hollowell (D)
		Michael McCord (D)
		Joseph Palimeno (D)
		Randy Zurcher (D)
	Submit photo	Matt Day (R)
	Submit photo	Patrick Farrell (R)
	Submit photo	James Kingston (R)
	Submit photo	Brian Montgomery (R)
		Krista Penn (R)
		Kandiss Taylor (R)
		Eugene Yu (R)

	There are no incumbents in this race.
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Endorsements

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2022

General election

General election for Governor of Georgia

Incumbent Brian Kemp defeated Stacey Abrams, Shane Hazel, David Byrne, and Milton Lofton in the general election for Governor of Georgia on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Brian Kemp (R)	53.4	2,111,572
		Stacey Abrams (D)	45.9	1,813,673
		Shane Hazel (L)	0.7	28,163
		David Byrne (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	18
	Submit photo	Milton Lofton (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	7

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 3,953,433
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Elbert Bartell (Independent)
President Boddie (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of Georgia

Stacey Abrams advanced from the Democratic primary for Governor of Georgia on May 24, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Stacey Abrams	100.0	727,168

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 727,168
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of Georgia

Incumbent Brian Kemp defeated David Perdue, Kandiss Taylor, Catherine Davis, and Tom Williams in the Republican primary for Governor of Georgia on May 24, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Brian Kemp	73.7	888,078
		David Perdue	21.8	262,389
		Kandiss Taylor	3.4	41,232
		Catherine Davis	0.8	9,788
	Submit photo	Tom Williams	0.3	3,255

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,204,742
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Vernon Jones (R)

2020

General runoff election

Special general runoff election for U.S. Senate Georgia

Raphael Warnock defeated incumbent Kelly Loeffler in the special general runoff election for U.S. Senate Georgia on January 5, 2021.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Raphael Warnock (D)	51.0	2,289,113
	Kelly Loeffler (R)	49.0	2,195,841

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,484,954
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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General election

Special general election for U.S. Senate Georgia

The following candidates ran in the special general election for U.S. Senate Georgia on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Raphael Warnock (D)	32.9	1,617,035
✔		Kelly Loeffler (R)	25.9	1,273,214
		Doug Collins (R)	20.0	980,454
		Deborah Jackson (D)	6.6	324,118
		Matt Lieberman (D)	2.8	136,021
		Tamara Johnson-Shealey (D)	2.2	106,767
	Submit photo	Jamesia James (D)	1.9	94,406
		Derrick Grayson (R)	1.0	51,592
	Submit photo	Joy Felicia Slade (D)	0.9	44,945
		Annette Davis Jackson (R)	0.9	44,335
		Kandiss Taylor (R)	0.8	40,349
		A. Wayne Johnson (R)	0.7	36,176
		Brian Slowinski (L)	0.7	35,431
		Richard Dien Winfield (D)	0.6	28,687
		Ed Tarver (D)	0.5	26,333
		Allen Buckley (Independent)	0.4	17,954
		John Fortuin (G)	0.3	15,293
		Elbert Bartell (Independent)	0.3	14,640
		Valencia Stovall (Independent)	0.3	13,318
		Michael Todd Greene (Independent)	0.3	13,293
		Rod Mack (Independent) (Write-in)	0.0	7

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source 1 Source 2	Total votes: 4,914,368
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Watch the Candidate Conversation for this race!

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Ervan Katari Miller (R)

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

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You can ask Kandiss Taylor to fill out this survey by using the buttons below or emailing kandiss@kandisstaylor.com.

2022

Kandiss Taylor did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Campaign website

Taylor's campaign website stated the following:

“

Gun Rights
#1 Rule of gun safety: Carry one
As your Governor, I will ensure that every Georgian maintains their constitutional right to protect themselves— a right written into the foundation of our country as the 2nd amendment. Without the ability to bear arms we are vulnerable to a tyrannical government. Constitutional carry will be my first order of business as your Georgia Governor.

Election Reform
Voting is our highest right
I am the only candidate fighting for election integrity. We can’t expect fraud to go away by using the same process we did in the 2020 election. As your governor, I will secure our elections by removing Dominion machines and drop boxes. The people of Georgia want paper ballots.

Immigration
Let ICE do their job!
Quit handcuffing our immigration and customs enforcement officers. No Sanctuary Cities or Counties in Georgia. Protect our GA ports of entry.

Education
Our children come first
Critical Race Theory, Comprehensive Sex Education, and Social Emotional Learning have no place in our Georgia schools. These programs are rooted in oppression, making students feel victimized and uncomfortable. We must protect our children and establish a learning environment where they can practice patriotism.

Pro Life
Jesus came to bring abundant life
As your Georgia Governor, I will ceaselessly defend the right to life for all children in Georgia, from the moment they begin to develop, and make sure that they have abundant opportunities to thrive in this beautiful state. Life begins at conception which is why I intend to not only criminalize abortion when there’s a heartbeat, but when there is any proof of pregnancy at all.

Economy
Our workforce is powerful
I intend to focus on Georgia Grown, infrastructure, and economic development across the state. One of the largest industries in our state economy is farming. Not only is agriculture vital to the wellbeing and survival of Georgians, but 1/7 of the jobs in this state are in the farming sector. I will give farmers the attention and aid that they deserve because, without them, there would be no Georgia. ^[2]

”

—Kandiss Taylor^[3]

2020

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia Released March 4, 2020

Kandiss Taylor completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Taylor's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Dr. Kandiss Taylor is a lifelong resident of Appling County. She is a 3 time graduate of Georgia Southern University with a B.S. in Early Childhood Education, a master's in School Counseling, and a specialist in School Counseling. She received her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University in Virginia Beach. Currently, Dr. Taylor serves as the Student Services Coordinator for the Appling County Board of Education. She began her career in public education 17 years ago as a 3rd grade teacher and went on to spend years as a school counselor. She is the wife of Ryan Taylor and the mother of 3 children. She served as the county leader for Dr. Ben Carson's presidential campaign in 2016.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I'm middle class. I am a normal American just like the voters of Georgia. I will be pushing for a Fair Tax and term limits for Congress.
I care deeply about education and teachers having the autonomy to teach without hindrance.
Farming is a vital industry to Georgia, and farmers must be protected. They need to be paid for their commodities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Fair tax, Education, Farming, Mental Health, Protecting Social Security, and meeting the needs of our Veterans.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

In regards to life, I look up to my mama most. She is the perfect example to follow in her kindness to others and giving nature. My mama has shaped me into who I am today by grounding me in the Gospel. Knowing who I am is the single most important determinate in who I will be in government.

In regards to politics, Dr. Ben Carson is the one who breathed life into a dream of running for office that I have always had in my heart. He spoke at my graduation ceremony when I received my Ph.D. Dr. Carson encouraged us to take part in government to prevent losing our democracy as we know it. Our founding fathers desired everyday Americans in office; not just career politicians and lawyers. I look up to Dr. Carson's character and moral code as well as his love of continuous learning.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Any of Dr. Ben Carson's books. I agree with his views on pretty much everything. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s speeches have always compelled me to examine situations more carefully and intentionally.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Fair, honest, loyal, good listener, strong communicator, able to confront with dignity and tact

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a first born child and very independent. I am a natural leader and know my strengths as well as my weaknesses. I am a lifelong learner and understand the necessity of growth and open-mindedness. I am a fighter of truth and fairness and a fixer by nature of relationships.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To protect the interests of "the people." To be the voice of the "the people." To fight for justice and reform for "the people."

What legacy would you like to leave?

To be remembered as one who spoke up for truth, ensured fairness, protected liberty, led by example, and always kept Christ first.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The one that sticks out the most to me is September 11, 2001. I was a junior at Georgia Southern University and was driving to my 9 am education class. I remember the frantic voices coming over the air waves on my car radio. I didn't even know what the Twin Towers were in New York City. I rushed into my class and told my professor. She immediately turned on the news for all of our class to watch. The class was silent. We were in shock and praying silently to ourselves. One of my classmate's father was a General working at the Pentagon, and when the plane hit there, we were all stunned. Immediately, she called to make sure her father was okay. He didn't answer the call, but later, we found out he was safe. For days, we watched the news and sat in devastation as we heard of the countless lives lost. This event will be with me always.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I worked in a local beauty shop in my small, South Georgia town. I washed hair, swept hair off the floor, washed, folded, and put up towels, ran errands, answered the phone, made appointments, and any other task I needed to accomplish. I worked there for the duration of high school and sometimes on weekends when I came home from college. My senior year of high school, I participated in the work based learning program, and I was employed at the Appling County Sheriff's Office as a secretary. I worked there for over a year typing incident and accident reports, logging tickets, answering the telephone, and making mail runs. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with law enforcement and still have friends who work there.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers because redemption is spelled out so beautifully in this novel based on a Biblical Story. I have fought for sexually abused children all my career, and this novel shows the redemptive nature of God and what He has in store for those whose innocence is stripped away.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Can I pick 2?

Dorothy from Wizard of Oz. She helped everyone she met along the way to find what they needed in life even when the power they searched for, initially, turned out to be fake. She didn't let that deter her but helped them see the strength within, and she always remembered the importance of going home. I will always come home to Georgia and will make every decision with Georgia on my mind.

Scarlett O'Hara-A true Georgian who loved her state to no end. She is a fighter and didn't let any man or obstacle beat her. I love her outlook on life and her famous quote that "Tomorrow is another day!"

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"The Man" by Taylor Swift

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I have faced a vast amount of challenges in my life and have always overcame them with determination, prayer, and tenacity. The most recent struggle has been the diagnosis of my 12 year old daughter's type one diabetes. She almost died this past Halloween before we had her taken by ambulance for treatment at a children's hospital. We have learned more than we ever wanted to know about this autoimmune disorder and what healthy eating, exercise, and blood sugar control looks like on a minute by minute basis. She is doing great and is a fighter like her mama.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Healthcare restructuring to ensure we can face a pandemic with greater efficiency. The national debt was already entirely too high, and now, with COVID-19, we've added so much more. This has to be dealt with, and a fair tax must be enacted.
Ensuring the farming industry is saved, more profitable, and stable. Mental healthcare in America needs some restructuring to ensure we meet the needs of a growing population.

What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The U.S. Senate is unique in that each state has an equal voice not based on how large the state is geographically or in population. The U.S. Senate has the sole power to conduct impeachment trials. Because the U.S. Senate has an equal voice for each state, the legislature receives a different balance of importance than in the House. Our founding fathers were visionaries, and this is just one example of their unique vision for the future of our great country.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Our founding fathers created our democracy to be ran for the people by the people. Million and billionaires, lawyers, and career politicians are not "by the people." They are part of an elite group of the population not representative of the masses. Common, middle class Americans have been busy feeding their families and paying their taxes, and they have allowed these elitist to dominate our government and politics. This was definitely not how our founding fathers envisioned our democracy to work, and this is exactly why the middle class is not represented well.

No, there is little to no benefit for senators to have previous experience being corrupted, controlled, bought off, or manipulated. We need hardworking, everyday Americans to be our voice in D.C.

What do you think of the filibuster?

A filibuster is a creative measure to prevent or delay a vote. I would exercise my right to use a filibuster to prevent something coming to vote that was not in the best interest of the people. I am thankful we have this in our tool belt.

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees?

The appointee's experience, moral code, training or education, and intent.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other senators?

Absolutely! Our government was created to function as branches of the same tree. We are not to be only a red and blue argument, but to function as iron sharpens iron to ensure the people are represented. Strong working relationships between all senators are vital to the success of our Nation. Division has been here long enough.

If you are not a current senator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Education, Mental Health, Farming, Tax Reform, Social Security, Veteran Affairs

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. Senate, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

Of course! I would be open to any role, but I would aspire to be floor leader. I would love to go head to head with Nancy Pelosi.

Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Not really. If I have to choose one, I agree with Marco Rubio on most of his budget and economy stances, abortion on demand, and some civil rights issues. However, I differ on gun control, education, and other things. It is difficult to choose one to model myself after. I will model myself after Jesus. He is the only perfect human to ever live.

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Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Kandiss Taylor campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2026*	U.S. House Georgia District 1	Candidacy Declared general	$8,695	$5,869
2022	Governor of Georgia	Lost primary	$351,928	$0
2020	U.S. Senate Georgia	Lost general	$30,769	$25,549
Grand total			$391,393	$31,419
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

External links

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Candidate

U.S. House Georgia District 1

Personal

Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 28, 2020
↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
↑ Kandiss Taylor's campaign website, “Home,” accessed May 9, 2022

[show]

Georgia's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Jon Ossoff (D)

Raphael Warnock (D)

Representatives

District 1

Earl Carter (R)

District 2

Sanford Bishop (D)

District 3

Brian Jack (R)

District 4

Hank Johnson (D)

District 5

Nikema Williams (D)

District 6

Lucy McBath (D)

District 7

Rich McCormick (R)

District 8

Austin Scott (R)

District 9

Andrew Clyde (R)

District 10

Mike Collins (R)

District 11

Barry Loudermilk (R)

District 12

Rick Allen (R)

District 13

David Scott (D)

District 14

Marjorie Greene (R)

Republican Party (9)

Democratic Party (7)

[bio-1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on March 28, 2020

[quotedisclaimer-2] Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

[3] Kandiss Taylor's campaign website, “Home,” accessed May 9, 2022

[1]

[2]

[3]

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Kandiss Taylor

Biography

Elections

2026

General election

General election for U.S. House Georgia District 1

Endorsements

2022

General election

General election for Governor of Georgia

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of Georgia

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of Georgia

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

2020

General runoff election

Special general runoff election for U.S. Senate Georgia

General election

Special general election for U.S. Senate Georgia

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

2022

Campaign website

2020

Video for Ballotpedia

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

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2026 Elections

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