By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
JUNE 7, 2022 | There’s still work for the voters of Gwinnett and Georgia.
The 2022 primary runoff elections are two weeks away, to take place June 21. Today GwinnettForum presents its endorsements in the primary runoff.
Four statewide races, two congressional races, and two local races pit the two top candidates who survived the first round of voting. It’s important for these candidates that Gwinnett voters return to the polls to complete the nominations for the General Election on November 8. (See candidate answers to our questions here.)
There are two non-partisan elections in the runoff, that of a school board selection and the race for a judge of the State Court of Gwinnett.
Remember: voters are required to cast ballots for the runoff in the same party’s primary as they voted earlier. If they did not vote on May 24, they may vote in either party’s primary runoff.
Below are our recommendations for the primary runoff elections:
Federal candidates
For Congress, 6th District
Evans
Republicans: Our support goes to Jake Evans, 35, of Roswell, a refreshing political newcomer who we see as an up-and-coming face of the party. An attorney, he seems a cut above the other candidates seeking this office. His stance on party matters will make him popular among party members, staying close to the party line. He is also young and sharp enough to have staying power for his future in Congress.
For Congress, 7th District
Gonsalves
Republicans: We pick for our endorsement Mark Gonsalves, 62, a consultant and veteran businessman of Johns Creek, who is a term limits candidate. He recognized the polarized nature of politics, and seeks to bring our nation back together, using issues which will sound logical to many Republicans. We were surprised that the other candidate, Mike Corbin, scored so high in the first primary. However, we anticipate that Democrat Nominee Lucy McBath will beat either of these Republicans in the General Election.
Georgia statewide candidates
For Lieutenant Governor:
Bailey
Democrats: We chose as our endorsee Charlie Bailey, 39, an attorney from Grant Park in Atlanta. An attorney in private practice in Atlanta, he ran for attorney general in 2018 and got 48.7 percent of the vote. He believes all citizens deserve the same safety and equal justice opportunities, and should not have to worry about their kid’s safety, or how they will pay a hospital bill. He’s energetic and young enough to be a strong champion for Georgians. The other candidate, Kwanza Hall, ran strong in the initial voting.
For Secretary of State:
Nguyen
Democrats: Our candidate of choice in this race is Bee Nguyen, 40, of Atlanta. A former legislator, she sat on the Governmental Affairs committee, which oversees elections laws. She is deeply concerned that Republicans have made it harder for people to vote and also worked at crippling turnout. She promises to protect the right to vote. She is most bright and vigorous, and can bring efficiency to the day-to-day functions in managing this office of many functions.
For Commissioner of Insurance:
Robinson
Democrats: Our choice in this race is Janice Laws Robinson, 44, of Newnan, who has worked in the industry for 20 years. She was the 2018 nominee for this position. She particularly wants to see Medicaid extension to cover the half million Georgia without this coverage, and promises to hold insurance companies accountable, to cap rate increases and stop predatory underwriting practices.
For Commissioner of Labor:
Horn
Democrats: Recognizing that this department has been in chaos lately, Nicole Horn, 46, of Atlanta, promises to bring order and improve operations. She will make sure that Georgians are paid unemployment benefits in a timely manner. This former small businesswoman is energetic and savvy, and will charge forcefully for improved efficiencies in this office. We endorse her.
2022 Non-partisan school board posts
Gwinnett School Board, Post 4
Simmons
For this seat on the Gwinnett School Board, we endorse Adrienne Simmons, 41, of Tucker, for 20 years a classroom teacher and current Department of Education employee. She knows what it’s like to be in the classroom, and to work at the state level to improve student achievement. She seeks to improve teacher retainment, and wants to see more counselors in schools.
2022 Non-partisan judicial races
For Judge of State Court (South seat)
Dove
For State Court (open seat): There are three persons seeking this seat on the State Court in Gwinnett, a position being vacated by Chief Judge Pam South. We feel the best candidate for this position is Erica Dove, 47, of Lawrenceville, who was in private practice at King and Spalding and has been a criminal defense attorney. She has been for 10 years a prosecutor and knows the ins and outs of the courthouse well.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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