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Randell Trammell
Randell Trammell (Republican Party) is running for election for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.
Trammell completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Randell Trammell was born in Georgia. He graduated from Southeast Whitfield High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in 2003 and a graduate degree in 2009, both from Reinhardt University, and a Ph.D. from Northeastern University in 2014. His career experience includes working as a chief executive officer. He has been affiliated with the Youth Assembly program.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: Georgia Superintendent of Public Instruction election, 2026
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools
Otha Thornton, Fred Longgrear, Mesha Mainor, and Randell Trammell are running in the general election for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Otha Thornton (D)  | |
| Fred Longgrear (R) | ||
 | Mesha Mainor (R) | |
 | Randell Trammell (R) | |
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| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
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Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Randell Trammell completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Trammell's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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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)
- Parent Choice: 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: I believe it is time to re-establish excellence in education by supporting and rewarding great teachers, restoring discipline in classrooms, and bringing back academic rigor. Every student must master the fundamentals of reading, writing, and math—the building blocks of lifelong success. By holding high standards, respecting teachers, and fostering safe, focused learning environments, we can ensure that schools prepare students not only for graduation but also for productive, responsible citizenship.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Of course, if my kids were answering for me, they’d probably say I should be Captain America—because he always stands up for what’s right, believes in freedom, and carries himself with humility and strength. And honestly, I wouldn’t mind that either!
Of course, if I’m being honest, sometimes it’s also whatever catchy tune my kids are listening to that week—those songs have a way of looping in your head whether you want them to or not!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Why don’t eggs tell each other jokes?
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.
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
Campaign finance information for this candidate is not yet available from OpenSecrets. That information will be published here once it is available.
See also
2026 Elections
External links
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Candidate Georgia State Superintendent of Schools |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on September 7, 2025
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