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Jonathan Browning (Cherokee County Commission, District 1, Georgia, candidate 2025)
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Jonathan Browning (Republican Party) ran in a special election to the Cherokee County Commission, District 1 in Georgia. He was on the ballot in the special general election on August 26, 2025.[source]
Browning completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
[1]Biography
Jonathan Browning provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on July 17, 2025:
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Construction Manager
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign slogan: Save Rural Cherokee
- Campaign website
- Campaign Facebook
Elections
General runoff election
Special general runoff election for Cherokee County Commission, District 1
Charles Ravenscraft and Will Cagle are running in the special general runoff election for Cherokee County Commission, District 1 on September 23, 2025.
Candidate | ||
| Charles Ravenscraft (D) | ||
 | Will Cagle (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. | ||||
General election
Special general election for Cherokee County Commission, District 1
The following candidates ran in the special general election for Cherokee County Commission, District 1 on August 26, 2025.
Candidate | ||
| Charles Ravenscraft (D) | ||
| Karen Bosch (R) | ||
 | Jonathan Browning (R) | |
| Will Cagle (R) | |
| Justin Page (R) | ||
| Robert L. Ridley (R) | ||
| Rick Whiteside (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. | ||||
Election results
Endorsements
Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.
Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Jonathan Browning completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Browning's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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As Alpharetta changed, the close-knit feel we loved became harder to find. That’s when we found Free Home, a charming community just over the county line in Cherokee County. We moved there in 2016, drawn by the farms, multigenerational families connected to the local school, and the small-town spirit we wanted for our children. As a husband and father of two in Cherokee County schools, I deeply understand families’ hopes for safe neighborhoods, quality education, and a thriving community. Like many balancing work and family, I know how vital it is to have leaders who listen, care, and protect our future. My wife became a Cherokee County teacher, I joined the school council, and together we actively support the PTA. Now, I’m running for Cherokee County Commissioner to serve this community and provide my kids with the childhood I remember, safe, full of opportunity, and free to enjoy our neighborhoods and schools.
My leadership is grounded in common sense, responsibility, and respect for the sacrifices families make daily. I’m committed to preserving Cherokee County’s character so future generations can experience it firsthand, no just hear how it used- Preserving Cherokee County’s Character and Heritage Cherokee County reminds me of the rural, small-town Alpharetta I grew up in—places where farms, open spaces, and strong community ties shaped our lives. My campaign focuses on preserving that legacy by protecting our natural landscapes, supporting multigenerational families and existing residents, and encouraging thoughtful, responsible growth that respects our values. I want to ensure future generations experience the same safe, connected community my wife and I chose when we moved here. We must balance progress with preservation to keep Cherokee County the special place we love.
- Leadership Rooted in Listening, Responsibility, and Family Values I’m committed to being a commissioner who listens carefully to our community’s diverse voices, respects the sacrifices families make daily, and leads with common sense and integrity. My approach is grounded in family values and a desire to unite—not divide—Cherokee County. Supported by my wife, my best friend and partner in service, I will work tirelessly to protect our community’s future. Together, we will build a stronger, safer, and more connected Cherokee County where families can thrive and feel truly at home.
- Safe, Secure, and Affordable Cherokee. I am committed to keeping Cherokee County affordable by ensuring taxes remain fair and transparent, so families and longtime landowners aren’t burdened. Responsible budgeting will protect essential services like public safety and education without unnecessary tax hikes. Safe neighborhoods are a priority, and I will advocate for well-funded police and emergency services to keep our community secure. My goal is to balance fiscal responsibility with strong public safety, making Cherokee County a safe, affordable place where families can thrive and feel at home
What makes this role unique and so important is that County Commissioners don’t just represent the area—they are part of it. They live in the same neighborhoods, send their children to the same schools, worship in the same churches, and participate in the same community events. Because of this, the decisions they make are deeply personal and rooted in firsthand experience. When a County Commissioner votes on a new development or school funding, they’re not just considering abstract policies—they’re thinking about their own family’s safety, their kids’ education, and the quality of life in the neighborhood where they live.
This close connection creates a level of accountability and responsiveness that larger, more distant governments can’t match. Commissioners are accessible; neighbors can reach out directly to share concerns, offer ideas, or ask questions. Their leadership is hands-on, grounded in community values and the real-world challenges families face every day.
Serving as a County Commissioner means understanding that every choice affects real people and their futures. It’s about protecting the rural character, supporting strong schools, ensuring public safety, and promoting affordable living—because these are not just political talking points, but priorities that shape the lives of the leaders themselves and their neighbors. This proximity and shared experience make the office uniquely positioned to deliver practical solutions with genuine care.
Though sometimes stubborn and set in his ways, Papaw’s generosity knew no bounds. He would give the shirt off his back to help a friend or neighbor in need. His unwavering integrity, strong work ethic, and deep faith are the example I strive to follow in both my personal life and my commitment to serving our community.
A handshake is a man’s word—something you stand behind with honesty and integrity. I believe in waking up grateful each day, thankful for the chance to make a difference. No matter the challenges, I strive never to go to bed angry, always seeking to resolve conflicts and keep relationships strong.
What makes Parenthood resonate so deeply is its honest portrayal of the everyday realities families face: the sleepless nights, the school challenges, the moments of frustration, and the triumphs that come from sticking together. It shows that leadership within a family is often about patience, listening, compromise, and unconditional support—not perfection.
For many families in Cherokee County and beyond, this movie reflects their own experiences and values. It relates how strong communities are built on the foundation of healthy, nurturing families where parents do their best to raise responsible, caring children. The themes of resilience, family unity, and the importance of community support mirror my own campaign’s focus on creating a safe, supportive environment for families to thrive—both at home and in the wider community.
Being in touch with the real world means listening to residents—truly listening—to understand their concerns before making decisions. It means recognizing that every tax increase, every zoning decision, every policy has a direct impact on the lives of working families, seniors on fixed incomes, and small business owners trying to stay afloat. Leaders must be responsive, not reactive; thoughtful, not political.
Common sense is too often missing in government. I believe in solutions that are practical, not partisan—ideas that make life better for our community without unnecessary complexity. That includes protecting our rural character, investing in public safety and education, keeping taxes fair, and ensuring our teachers and first responders can afford to live in the community they serve.
I listen carefully to the concerns of my neighbors and work hard to find practical solutions that balance diverse interests. My background in both the private sector and community involvement has taught me the importance of fiscal responsibility, accountability, and clear communication.
A commissioner must also serve as a bridge between residents and their government—listening to concerns, answering questions, and making sure the public’s voice is heard in every decision. It’s not about pushing a personal agenda—it’s about advocating for the people you represent and ensuring their quality of life is protected.
In Cherokee County, that means preserving our rural character, keeping our communities safe, supporting affordability for families and seniors, and guiding smart, responsible growth. It also means being accessible, transparent, and committed to working with others—regardless of background or party—to do what’s right for our county’s future.
In the days and weeks that followed, I witnessed something remarkable: across America, faith and unity grew stronger. People came together, regardless of background or beliefs, to support one another and stand united against fear and division. Communities held vigils, neighbors checked on each other, and a shared sense of purpose and resilience took hold.
My first FICA job was a Chick-Fil-a I was 14. I worked there for approx. 6 months until I found something closer to home and could ride by bike to work.
As a husband and father, the Bible has shaped how I try to show up every day — with patience, honesty, and faith. It’s helped me learn how to listen, how to lead, and how to love without conditions. I’m far from perfect, but reading it reminds me to keep trying — to be a better man, a better neighbor, and to serve with a full heart.
It’s about showing up, being honest, and staying committed, even when it’s hard. I still carry that pride — not in perfection, but in being present, in doing the work, and in never giving up on the people who count on me.
They also oversee local infrastructure projects—like road maintenance and improvements—that affect daily commutes, school runs, and trips to the store. Additionally, Commissioners are involved in emergency management planning, helping prepare our community for natural disasters and crises to keep families safe.
Another important but often overlooked role is serving on various boards and authorities that manage parks, utilities, and community services. These roles allow Commissioners to shape programs and policies that enhance quality of life, from recreational opportunities to water and sewer services.
It’s also important for residents to know that County Commissioners do not set the school millage rate. Instead, the county tax assessor provides the assessed property values, which the school board uses to set their budget and determine the school tax rate. Understanding this distinction helps clarify how local taxes and budgets are managed.
In the public sector, the agenda should be similar—responsible management and accountability—but without a profit motive or bias toward financial returns. Instead, the focus is on delivering value to the community, ensuring transparency, and making decisions that benefit all residents fairly. Effective public leaders combine private sector discipline with a deep commitment to serving the public good. Ultimately, voters want leaders who demonstrate integrity, accountability, and a clear vision for the community’s future
Additionally, market trends change daily, impacting development opportunities and community needs. Commissioners must be adaptable, implementing strategies that respond to these shifting trends in real time to ensure responsible growth and resource management.
A deep understanding of development is also essential, including recognizing the motives of both developers seeking growth and community members aiming to preserve quality of life. Navigating these competing interests requires balancing economic opportunity with community-focused growth.
What makes this office especially important is that commissioners don’t just represent the community—they are part of it. They live in the neighborhoods, send their kids to the same schools, and participate in local events. This personal connection means their decisions are grounded in firsthand experience and a deep understanding of community needs.
Because the office is so accessible and accountable to residents, it allows for more responsive, practical leadership that reflects the values and priorities of the people. In fact, a motion or proposal can be heard and approved in as little as two weeks, allowing the county to address issues quickly and efficiently.
or a Chuck Norris Joke such as Chuck Norris beat the sun in a staring contest
When leaders are transparent about budgets and decisions, it builds trust and lets residents see that their tax dollars are working to improve schools, keep neighborhoods safe, and maintain infrastructure. Accountability means officials must be honest, answer questions, and make sure funds are used efficiently—just like any family would expect with their own money. I’m committed to ensuring Cherokee County’s government runs like a responsible household, focused on results that benefit every family.
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.
See also
2025 Elections
External links
Footnotes
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