Defonsio Daniels

Defonsio Daniels

Democratic Party

Candidate, U.S. House Georgia District 1

Elections and appointments

Next election

November 3, 2026

Education

High school

Eastside High School

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Marine Corps

Years of service

2001 - 2007

Personal

Birthplace

Gainesville, Fla.

Religion

Pentecostal

Profession

Military

Contact

Campaign website

Personal Facebook

Personal Instagram

Personal YouTube

Personal LinkedIn

Defonsio Daniels (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Georgia's 1st Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.^[source]

Biography

Defonsio Daniels was born in Gainesville, Florida. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2001 to 2007. He earned a high school diploma from Eastside High School. His career experience includes serving in the military.

Elections

2026

See also: Georgia's 1st Congressional District election, 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)
	Submit photo	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)

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	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

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2024

See also: Georgia House of Representatives elections, 2024

General election

General election for Georgia House of Representatives District 180

Incumbent Steven Sainz defeated Defonsio Daniels in the general election for Georgia House of Representatives District 180 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Steven Sainz (R)	69.4	19,640
		Defonsio Daniels (D)	30.6	8,680

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 28,320
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Republican primary runoff election

Republican primary runoff for Georgia House of Representatives District 180

Incumbent Steven Sainz defeated Glenn Cook in the Republican primary runoff for Georgia House of Representatives District 180 on June 18, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Steven Sainz	52.5	2,294
	Submit photo	Glenn Cook	47.5	2,077

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,371
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Georgia House of Representatives District 180

Defonsio Daniels advanced from the Democratic primary for Georgia House of Representatives District 180 on May 21, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Defonsio Daniels	100.0	963

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 963
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Georgia House of Representatives District 180

Incumbent Steven Sainz and Glenn Cook advanced to a runoff. They defeated David Rainer in the Republican primary for Georgia House of Representatives District 180 on May 21, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Steven Sainz	49.7	3,075
✔	Submit photo	Glenn Cook	27.0	1,673
	Submit photo	David Rainer	23.3	1,440

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 6,188
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Daniels in this election.

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Defonsio Daniels has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. If you are Defonsio Daniels, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

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2024

Defonsio Daniels completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Daniels' 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.

I am a disabled Marine veteran and retired federal police officer holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Originally from the tranquil town of Reddick, Florida, where life was uneventful, I grew up toiling in the fields until I completed high school. I pursued higher education on a track and field scholarship but had to leave college in my sophomore year due to my mother's health issues. To support my mother and siblings while continuing my studies, I enlisted in the Marine Corps. Tragically, my mother passed away from a brain tumor while I was on active duty. I sustained injuries during a deployment and underwent recovery at the Wounded Warrior Regiment in Balboa Hospital, San Diego, where I completed my degree. Transitioning into a career in law enforcement, I specialized in integrated training, community relations, and various levels of force protection and anti-terrorism measures at a regional level. My wife, a retired Navy Chief, and I have been enjoying our retirement in Camden County for nearly a decade, raising our three boys who are active members of the wrestling team. Following years of observing societal challenges and a lack of accountability among our elected officials, I decided to step up and address these issues by running for office. My retirement is now dedicated to serving my country once more with the honor. Semper Fidelis.

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?

• In response to past events that have contributed to the mistrust of our elected officials. I will advocate for accountability among our elected officials, emphasizing the importance of integrity and honor in the eyes of our citizens. Ensuring that our residents are treated with dignity and respect in the pursuit of equality and justice will be a top priority.
• On day one, I would prioritize transparency and commit to being open and available for discussions and votes. It is essential to me that citizens feel empowered to voice their opinions, as I have personally experienced the frustration of feeling unheard. This lack of representation must be rectified. Regular town hall meetings will be held to ensure that we are meeting the needs of the people to the best of our abilities.
• Our primary focus will be on addressing district 180 issues. It is imperative that we concentrate on resolving local concerns before venturing into matters beyond our immediate responsibilities. Every discussion will center around local topics, with key areas of focus being infrastructure improvements, environmental and historic preservation, enhancing education, mental health support, fostering job growth, and improving public services within our community. Additionally, I believe in fostering more community activities to strengthen community relations.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am deeply passionate about expanding healthcare access to all individuals. I strongly believe in promoting a healthy Georgia, as our current high mortality rate is partly attributed to the lack of affordable healthcare. The trend towards privatizing medical services to private companies has resulted in the closure of several hospitals, further exacerbating our mortality rates. Implementing Medicaid Expansion has shown successful outcomes, not only saving lives and improving citizens' health but also reducing healthcare costs for individuals or citizens state wide.

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

My mother was by far the greatest influencer of my life that hasn’t changed.

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

In my opinion, relatable experiences can be invaluable as they provide a deeper understanding of various situations and can greatly influence decision-making processes.

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

I feel that I can connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and engage in meaningful conversations with them. My ability to actively listen allows me to comprehend and empathize with a wide range of people I interact with.

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

To uphold accountability to the people, maintain a strong sense of morality, and serve as the voice of those I represent.

What legacy would you like to leave?

That I was a unifier, a logical thinker, a protector, and a very rational and caring individual.

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

I began working at a very young age due to my family's financial struggles, and I have vivid memories of toiling in the fields for as far back as I can recall.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Peggy Anderson
Great Quotes from Great Leaders: Words from the Leaders Who Shaped the World

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

A change is coming

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

Life presents itself as a continuous struggle; just when you believe you have it all figured out, reality swoops in to remind you that there is always more to learn.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature is one based on cooperation, communication, and mutual respect. Both branches of government play important roles in governance, with the governor responsible for executing laws and policies while the state legislature creates and passes them.

A healthy balance of power and a spirit of collaboration are key to effective governance. The governor and state legislature should work together to address the needs of the state, find common ground on important issues, and strive to serve the best interests of the public. Open communication, negotiation, and compromise are essential elements in fostering a productive relationship between these branches of government.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Bridging ethnic differences unifying the citizens.

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

Having previous experience in government or politics can be beneficial for state legislators. Experience can provide valuable insights into how the government functions, understanding of the legislative process, knowledge of policy issues, and familiarity with the political landscape. It can also help legislators navigate complex decision-making processes and build relationships with colleagues to effectively work towards achieving legislative goals.

While prior experience can be advantageous, it is not always a necessity. Fresh perspectives and diverse backgrounds can also bring new ideas and innovation to the legislative process. Ultimately, a mix of experienced legislators and newcomers can contribute to a dynamic and effective state legislature.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Yes, building relationships with other legislators can be highly beneficial. Strong relationships with other legislators can facilitate cooperation, collaboration, and consensus-building, which are essential in the legislative process. Networking and forming alliances with colleagues can help legislators advance their agendas, work on bipartisan initiatives, and achieve positive outcomes for their constituents.

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

I like senator John McCain, John Lewis, John F Kennedy Barack Obama

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Id be honored to run for another office in the U.S. Congress

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

The Thiokol-Woodbine explosion occurred on May 4, 1971, in Woodbine, Georgia. The explosion happened at the Thiokol Chemical Corporation plant, which produced solid rocket fuel. The explosion caused extensive damage to the plant and surrounding areas, resulting in a number of injuries and fatalities. The incident led to investigations into safety standards at the facility and raised concerns about the handling of hazardous materials. To this day, the individuals and their families have not received compensation for the events that occurred, nor have they been heard. This tragedy remains unnoticed, buried in time. Given the chance, I would ensure that all those affected are acknowledged for their efforts and the challenges they have faced following the explosion.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

That often depends on the specific country's constitution and legal framework. However, in general, it is considered best practice for the legislature to have oversight over the executive branch's use of emergency powers.

Granting emergency powers to the executive branch without any checks and balances can lead to potential abuses of power and threats to democracy. Therefore, having the legislature involved in overseeing the declaration and use of emergency powers can help ensure accountability, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law.

By requiring the executive to justify the need for emergency powers to the legislature and potentially seeking approval or periodic review, the system can help prevent the misuse or overextension of emergency powers. This oversight mechanism can also help balance the need for swift action in times of crisis with the protection of individual rights and democratic principles.

In conclusion, while emergency powers may sometimes be necessary to address crises effectively, it is generally advisable for the legislature to be involved in overseeing or granting such powers to safeguard the democratic process and protect the interests of the public.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

I’d re-introduce The Healthcare Expansion bill

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Pastor Washington Evergreen Church

What committees interest you?

Defense & Veterans Affairs

Economic Development & Tourism
Natural Resources & Environment
Information and Audits
Public Safety and Homeland Security
Reapportionment and Redistricting
Small Business Development
Special Committee on Healthcare

Technology and Infrastructure Innovation

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability are crucial principles for ensuring trust, integrity, and efficiency in governance.

Financial transparency helps promote accountability by allowing citizens to see how public funds are being utilized, thereby reducing corruption and misuse of resources. It also enhances public trust in government institutions and decision-making processes.

Government accountability is essential for ensuring that public officials are held responsible for their actions and decisions. Through mechanisms such as audits, oversight, and reporting, accountability can help prevent abuse of power and foster good governance.

Overall, financial transparency and government accountability are fundamental pillars of a healthy democracy and are essential for promoting trust, integrity, and efficiency in the public sector.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

A state ballot initiative process could empower citizens to directly participate in lawmaking and bypass the state legislature on certain issues. This could be seen as a positive step towards direct democracy and increased citizen engagement. However, some argue that the process may lead to unintended consequences, potentially favoring well-funded interest groups or causing challenges in implementation.

Therefore, it is essential for the people of Georgia to carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing a state ballot initiative process and evaluate how it aligns with the state's values, goals, and overall governance structure.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

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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.

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Defonsio Daniels campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2026*	U.S. House Georgia District 1	Candidacy Declared general	$0	N/A**
2024*	Georgia House of Representatives District 180	Lost general	$9,312	$10,164
Grand total			$9,312	$10,164
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
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

See also

2026 Elections

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Government

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Candidate

U.S. House Georgia District 1

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Footnotes

[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)