Valdosta Daily Times, Rice enters Valdosta mayoral race

J.D. and his wife, Mechelle, have been married for 20 years. They live in Valdosta with their children.

J.D. is retired. He used to be Valdosta's Fire Chief. J.D. is an Army veteran with a 35-year career in the fire service. He was named honorary squadron commander at Moody Air Force Base. After his retirement from fire service, he worked as a substitute teacher.

J.D. Rice Jr. campaigned for Mayor in both 2015 and 2019, but he did not win either.

As of June 6, 2025, J.D. Rice Jr. did not have a website or any information online.

Natural Resources & the Environment

Housing & Urban Development

Plans to work with the police department and civic groups like "Stop the Violence" to reduce the crime rate.

- Plans to work with the police department and civic groups like "Stop the Violence" to reduce the crime rate.

Public Safety

Wants to create higher paying jobs in Valdosta to incentive the younger populations to stay in the area.

Plans to apply for grants to increase funding to create programs for Valdosta's growing homeless population.

- Wants to create higher paying jobs in Valdosta to incentive the younger populations to stay in the area.
- Plans to apply for grants to increase funding to create programs for Valdosta's growing homeless population.

Public Services

Transportation & Infrastructure

J.D. Rice Jr.

LinkedIn

Information about Fallon’s personal background is not available at this time

Fallon is the owner of Baby Love Daycare and Learning Center.

Fallon Harris's campaign for Mayor is her first entry into politics.

As of June 6, 2025, Fallon Harris did not have a website or any information online.

ABC 27, Black Entrepreneur Empowered Happening in Valdosta

Organized "Black Entrepreneur Empowered" event

- Organized "Black Entrepreneur Empowered" event

Fallon Harris

Valdosta, Mayor

Scott is originally from Cocoa Beach, Florida but he has lived in Valdosta for 33 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in mass media from Valencia College. Scott and his wife Rebekah have three children,

Scott is the owner of four local radio stations.

Scott James Matheson is currently the Mayor representing Valdosta. He was first elected in 2020 and has been in office for one term.

As of June 6, 2025, Scott James Matheson did not have a website or any information online.

Valdosta Daily Times, Matheson announces reelection bid

Supports investing in the downtown area, including funding the amphitheater.

As mayor, improved communications between the city and county.

Said, “If you would do me the honor of reelecting me, I will continue to work hard, dream big, innovate, and represent you in a way that will continue to make you proud.”

- Supports investing in the downtown area, including funding the amphitheater.
- As mayor, improved communications between the city and county.
- Said, “If you would do me the honor of reelecting me, I will continue to work hard, dream big, innovate, and represent you in a way that will continue to make you proud.”

As mayor, implemented transportation solutions which provided 10,000 new rides at 1/3 of the cost.

- As mayor, implemented transportation solutions which provided 10,000 new rides at 1/3 of the cost.

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Scott James Matheson

- The mayor leads the executive branch of local government, presiding over city council meetings, making sure city departments run smoothly, and providing services to citizens. 
- The mayor runs the city day to day and prepares the budget each year, meaning that they propose how much funding goes to each city department, including the police department, city parks, transportation, and the fire department. 
- The mayor also hires the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and city department heads, such as City Planning, Parks & Recreation, and Transportation. 
- Most Georgia mayors are elected in odd years to four year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. 