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Georgia Superintendent of Schools election, 2026
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| Georgia Superintendent of Schools |
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| Election details |
| Filing deadline: March 6, 2026 |
| Primary: May 19, 2026 Primary runoff: June 16, 2026 General: November 3, 2026 General runoff: June 16, 2026 |
| How to vote |
| Poll times:
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
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Georgia is holding an election for superintendent of schools on November 3, 2026.
Candidates and election results
Note: The following list includes official candidates only. Ballotpedia defines official candidates as people who:
- Register with a federal or state campaign finance agency before the candidate filing deadline
- Appear on candidate lists released by government election agencies
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools
Fred Longgrear, Mesha Mainor, and Randell Trammell are running in the general election for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
| Fred Longgrear (R) | ||
 | Mesha Mainor (R) | |
 | Randell Trammell (R)  | |
| ||||
| = 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. | ||||
Candidate profiles
This section includes candidate profiles that may be created in one of two ways: either the candidate completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey, or Ballotpedia staff may compile a profile based on campaign websites, advertisements, and public statements after identifying the candidate as noteworthy. For more on how we select candidates to include, click here.
Party: Republican Party
Incumbent: No
Political Office: None
Submitted Biography: "Dr. Randell E. Trammell has long been involved in youth development and education. He holds an undergraduate degree in Religious Education as well as a Master in Business Administration from Reinhardt University. In 2014, he completed his Doctorate in Education. That same year, after seeing a dire need for resources and support in the area of civics education in Georgia, he developed the concept of the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement. In 2017, Dr. Trammell officially launched the Center as a 501c3 nonprofit becoming its founder and President & Chief Executive Officer. In 2021, the organization expanded its mission to become the United States Center for Civic Engagement, and Dr. Trammell developed the concept of building a Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) to support the Public Service and Safety career cluster. Dr. Trammell has many achievements and recognitions including: Georgia Business Trend’s “40 Under 40” award (2021) Accomplished author of 6 published children's books including his most recent, Presidential Pals - The Life and Legacy of Jimmy Carter Bill Bolling Nonprofit Leader of the Year Award Recipient by TechBridge (2021) Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award through Points of Light (2022) Chair of the Georgia Commission for Civic Education by Governor Kemp (2022, reappointed 2024) Presidential Leadership Scholar (2023) Governor’s Award for Arts & Humanities (2024)"
Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses
Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
Survey responses from candidates in this race
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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.
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Randell Trammell (R)
I support empowering parents with the right to choose the best educational path for their children. Every family deserves access to high-quality options—traditional public schools, charter schools, magnet programs, homeschooling, college and career academies, private education, and universal enrollment systems. By expanding and protecting these choices, we ensure that education reflects the unique needs, talents, and goals of every student. Parent choice fosters innovation, drives excellence, and strengthens our communities by putting students first.
Transparency and Accountability:
I believe strong school accountability and transparency are essential to building trust between families, educators, and communities. Schools must openly share clear, accessible information on curriculum, student performance, spending, and decision-making. Transparency ensures parents and citizens can see how resources are used, while accountability guarantees that schools meet high standards. By fostering openness and responsibility, we empower students, support teachers, and strengthen confidence in our public education system.
Excellence in Education:
Randell Trammell (R)
Randell Trammell (R)
What makes this office distinct is its combination of authority and responsibility:
It serves as the chief executive officer of the State Board of Education, implementing laws passed by the legislature and policies set by the Board.
It provides oversight of billions of dollars in taxpayer funding, ensuring those dollars are spent wisely and transparently for the benefit of students.
It carries the power to set academic direction through instructional standards approval and accountability, shaping what is taught in classrooms across the state.
It has the duty to protect parental rights, uphold local control, and safeguard educational integrity, ensuring schools reflect the values of Georgia communities.
From a legal and governmental standpoint, the Superintendent’s role is vital because it bridges the state’s constitutional authority with the daily realities of local schools. In practice, that means ensuring laws are faithfully executed, resources are distributed fairly, and that Georgia’s schools operate with accountability to both parents and taxpayers.
In short, this office is not just about managing education—it is about upholding the rule of law, protecting liberty, and serving as a direct voice for the people in shaping the future of Georgia’s children.
Randell Trammell (R)
On a more personal level, I also admire local educators and civic leaders I’ve worked alongside through programs like Youth Assembly and civic engagement initiatives. These are people who devote their time to shaping the next generation—not for recognition, but because they believe in students and communities. Their quiet example of service reminds me that leadership is about lifting others up.
Whose example would I like to follow? I would follow the path of leaders who lead with integrity, listen before acting, and put the people first. That means being transparent with parents, accountable with taxpayer dollars, and courageous in standing for Georgia’s values.
At the end of the day, the examples I look up to share one common trait: they never lost sight of their duty to serve. That’s the model I want to carry into this office.
Randell Trammell (R)
The Federalist Papers – These essays by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay explain the importance of constitutional government, checks and balances, and a system that respects local authority while preserving liberty. Their arguments remain deeply relevant today as we consider how best to govern our schools.
Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America – Tocqueville observed that America’s strength comes from its communities, faith, and civic engagement. His work shows how local control and active citizenship are essential to a healthy republic—principles I believe should guide education policy.
Milton Friedman’s Free to Choose – This book makes a powerful case for freedom, choice, and accountability. In education, that translates into empowering parents, respecting taxpayer dollars, and holding schools responsible for results.
Film: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington – Though fictional, this classic film captures the spirit of public service rooted in integrity, courage, and accountability to the people. It reminds us that elected officials must serve with honesty and humility.
Randell Trammell (R)
Integrity and Honesty An elected official must always be truthful and principled, even when it’s difficult. Voters deserve leaders who will do what is right, not what is politically convenient. Decisions should be guided by faith, character, and a clear moral compass.
Accountability and Stewardship Taxpayers entrust us with their resources, and it is our responsibility to be careful stewards of those dollars. Fiscal responsibility is not just about balancing budgets—it’s about respecting hardworking families who fund our schools and our government.
Commitment to Local Control and Limited Government Strong communities thrive when parents, teachers, and local leaders have a real voice in education—not when bureaucrats dictate from above. I believe in empowering families, defending parental rights, and ensuring government remains limited in scope but effective in mission.
Dedication to Service and Excellence
Holding public office is a calling to serve, not a platform for self-promotion. An effective elected official must listen first, act with courage, and always put students, families, and communities above partisan politics.
Randell Trammell (R)
Second, I value integrity and accountability. Georgians deserve leaders who will be honest, transparent, and fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars. I believe every dollar should go toward strengthening student achievement, not administrative waste. My approach will always be rooted in stewardship and respect for the people who fund our schools.
Third, I have the ability to listen and build coalitions. Whether it’s parents, teachers, legislators, or local school boards, I believe the Superintendent must unite people around shared goals. I know how to bring diverse voices together, focus on common values, and move from conversation to action.
Finally, I bring a strong sense of vision and courage. Leadership means making tough decisions when necessary, always with the best interest of students and families in mind. I am committed to defending parental rights, upholding high academic standards, and ensuring that Georgia’s education system reflects the values of its communities.
Together, these qualities—leadership, integrity, collaboration, and vision—equip me to be a successful and principled officeholder who puts Georgia’s children first.
Randell Trammell (R)
They are responsible for approving instructional standards, monitoring district performance, and taking corrective action when schools fall short of state standards. The Superintendent also plays a critical role in teacher quality by overseeing licensure, recruitment, and accountability in partnership with the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.
As the public face of Georgia’s schools, the Superintendent communicates with parents, educators, policymakers, and the community to promote transparency and trust. They publish reports, provide guidance to local districts, and serve as a liaison between the state, local school boards, and federal agencies.
Ultimately, the Superintendent’s responsibility is to ensure that Georgia’s students receive a high-quality education, that resources are managed wisely, and that parents and communities retain a strong voice in shaping local education.
Randell Trammell (R)
For me, leadership is not about recognition—it is about faithfulness in the small things as well as the great things. Whether in my home, my church, or public office, I want to live in a way that shows my children that true success comes from putting God first, putting others before self, and using our gifts to make the world a better place.
If I can pass on to them a model of servant leadership, courage, and faith, then my legacy will endure far beyond my years of public service. My hope is that they will be inspired to lead lives of purpose, integrity, and compassion—and that the communities I’ve served will be stronger, freer, and more hopeful because I was faithful in my calling.
Randell Trammell (R)
Randell Trammell (R)
Outside of Scripture, another book I deeply value is Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. Tocqueville observed that America’s greatness lies not in its government alone, but in the strength of its people, communities, and faith. His reflections on the importance of civic virtue and local engagement resonate with me because they align with my own experience working to prepare young people for citizenship and leadership.
Both of these books remind me why I serve: to honor God, to strengthen families and communities, and to ensure that freedom and opportunity endure for the next generation.
Randell Trammell (R)
Randell Trammell (R)
Randell Trammell (R)
Because of my deep involvement in civic engagement and youth leadership programs, I have seen firsthand how education can shape young people into informed, responsible citizens. That’s why I consider it vital that the Superintendent safeguard curriculum standards, protect parental rights, and promote programs that not only prepare students for the workforce, but also for their role as active participants in our democracy.
Another core responsibility I consider essential is financial stewardship. Taxpayers deserve to know that every dollar sent to Atlanta is being used wisely, with a direct impact on student achievement—not wasted on administrative bloat. Clear, transparent budgeting is a matter of respect for the families who fund our schools.
Finally, I believe the Superintendent must be a servant leader who listens. This means working with parents, teachers, and local school boards to strengthen education at the community level, while holding the system accountable for results. The Superintendent should be the people’s advocate inside state government—always remembering that the office exists to serve students and families first.
Randell Trammell (R)
One little-known responsibility is the Superintendent’s role in approving instructional standards used in classrooms. That means this office helps decide what our children are exposed to—a power that directly impacts how subjects like history, civics, and economics are taught.
Another key but often overlooked authority is the ability to intervene in under-performing school districts. The Superintendent can initiate corrective measures or recommend stronger state oversight when local systems fail to meet academic standards. This ensures that no child is trapped in a failing school just because of their ZIP code.
Finally, many don’t realize that the Superintendent is tasked with publishing reports and guidance for schools and the public. This means the office doesn’t just implement policy—it also has a duty to keep parents, taxpayers, and teachers informed about performance, resources, and expectations.
These powers may not make headlines, but they are exactly why this office matters so much. They give the Superintendent the ability to protect academic integrity, safeguard parental rights, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are tied to real student success.
Randell Trammell (R)
This office is not about climbing a political ladder—it’s about serving students, families, and taxpayers. In fact, sometimes career politicians lose sight of that purpose. The Superintendent needs to understand schools from the ground up, to listen to parents and teachers, and to have the courage to make decisions based on principle, not politics.
It’s also important to note that the State Superintendent does not have to be a classroom teacher. What matters more is having extensive experience working with schools, teachers, systems, and educational standards, along with the ability to translate that experience into effective leadership. Most importantly, the Superintendent must be able to lead the Department of Education, manage its resources responsibly, and ensure that every decision improves outcomes for students.
My own background in civic engagement and youth leadership has given me firsthand experience in preparing young people to be active, responsible citizens. That perspective—combined with a commitment to financial transparency, local control, and parental rights—is exactly what this office needs.
So while government experience may offer familiarity with process, what truly benefits this office is a leader who is accountable to the people, willing to challenge bureaucracy, and focused on student success over politics.
Randell Trammell (R)
Equally important is experience with schools, teachers, and educational standards. While the Superintendent does not have to be a former classroom teacher, they should understand how schools operate, how teachers are supported, and how curriculum impacts learning. That expertise is critical to shaping policies that actually work in practice, not just on paper.
The Superintendent should also possess strong skills in financial stewardship and transparency. Taxpayers deserve confidence that education dollars are spent wisely, and parents deserve to see that resources go to classrooms—not bureaucracy.
Finally, this office requires communication and collaboration skills. The Superintendent must listen to parents, teachers, and local school boards, while also working with legislators and the State Board of Education. At its best, the role serves as a bridge between state government and local communities, ensuring that policy reflects the values of Georgia families.
In short, the most helpful expertise is a mix of visionary leadership, educational understanding, fiscal responsibility, and the ability to unite people around the goal of student success.
Randell Trammell (R)
Why don’t eggs tell each other jokes?
Because they might crack up.
Randell Trammell (R)
As State School Superintendent, I would ensure that budgets are not buried in bureaucracy but are clear, accessible, and easy for parents and citizens to understand. Every expenditure should reflect a commitment to students, not administrative waste.
Government accountability means holding both myself and the system I oversee responsible for results. That includes setting high expectations for school districts, measuring outcomes, and taking corrective action when standards are not met. It also means protecting whistleblowers, investigating misuse of funds, and demanding that contracts, spending, and priorities be conducted in the open.
Above all, accountability is about servant leadership—remembering that elected officials are not rulers, but stewards. My guiding principle will be to ensure that every decision honors the trust taxpayers have placed in me, while putting the needs of Georgia’s students and families first.
Voting information
- See also: Voting in Georgia
Ballotpedia will publish the dates and deadlines related to this election as they are made available.
Past elections
The section below details election results for this office in elections dating back to 2014.
2022
General election
General election for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools
Incumbent Richard Woods defeated Alisha Searcy in the general election for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Richard Woods (R) | 54.2 | 2,115,728 |
 | Alisha Searcy (D) | 45.8 | 1,788,671 | |
| Total votes: 3,904,399 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools
Alisha Searcy defeated Jaha Howard, James Morrow, and Currey Hitchens in the Democratic primary for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools on May 24, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Alisha Searcy | 57.0 | 382,792 |
| Jaha Howard | 15.0 | 100,675 | ||
 | James Morrow | 14.6 | 97,821 | |
 | Currey Hitchens | 13.5 | 90,514 | |
| Total votes: 671,802 | |||
| = 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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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools
Incumbent Richard Woods defeated John Barge in the Republican primary for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools on May 24, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Richard Woods | 72.6 | 802,260 |
 | John Barge | 27.4 | 302,681 | |
| Total votes: 1,104,941 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
2018
General election
General election for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools
Incumbent Richard Woods defeated Otha Thornton in the general election for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Richard Woods (R) | 53.0 | 2,048,003 |
 | Otha Thornton (D) | 47.0 | 1,814,461 | |
| Total votes: 3,862,464 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Democratic primary runoff election
Democratic primary runoff for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools
Otha Thornton defeated Sid Chapman in the Democratic primary runoff for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools on July 24, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Otha Thornton | 59.1 | 86,704 |
| Sid Chapman | 40.9 | 60,006 | ||
| Total votes: 146,710 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools
Otha Thornton and Sid Chapman advanced to a runoff. They defeated Sam Mosteller in the Democratic primary for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools on May 22, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Otha Thornton | 43.9 | 208,407 |
| ✔ | Sid Chapman | 36.5 | 173,270 | |
| Sam Mosteller | 19.7 | 93,402 | ||
| Total votes: 475,079 | |||
| = 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 State Superintendent of Schools
Incumbent Richard Woods defeated John Barge in the Republican primary for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools on May 22, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Richard Woods | 60.1 | 324,848 |
| John Barge | 39.9 | 215,431 | |
| Total votes: 540,279 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
2014
| Superintendent of Georgia, 2014 | ||||
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| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Republican |  Richard Woods |
55.1% | 1,391,005 | |
| Democratic | Valarie Wilson | 44.9% | 1,132,886 | |
| Total Votes | 2,523,891 | |||
| Election results via Georgia Secretary of State | ||||
Election analysis
This section will contain facts and figures related to this state's elections when those are available.
See also
| Georgia | State Executive Elections | News and Analysis |
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External links
Footnotes
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