2026 Georgia General Election

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NC Voter Coalition (demo)

North Carolina

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Rutha Jackson is originally from Houston County, Georgia. She has a bachelor's degree in middle school education from Fort Valley State University, a master's degree in pastoral studies/counseling for Interdenominational Theological Center, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Walden University. She is the president of the Houston County Branch of the NAACP and attends Grace Temple International, where she is a pastor. 

Rutha currently works as a pastor for Grace Temple International and as a teacher for the Houston County Board of Education. She previously worked as a pastor for Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME). She served as a personnel superintendent in the U.S. Air Force for 13 years and was in the U.S. Air Force Reserves for 33 years. 

Rutha Jackson's campaign for Houston County commissioner is her first time running for public office.

Rutha Jackson announces candidacy for Houston County ...

Rutha's campaign for Houston County commissioner is her first time running for public office.

Said, "Reduce red tape and create a business-friendly environment for job creation."

Aims to "streamline permits and reduce bureaucratic red tape for small business startups."

Plans to "create a Small Business Resource Center to help entrepreneurs access financing and support."

Supports partnering with other cities for regional economic development.

Supports incentive programs bring in new businesses.

- Aims to "streamline permits and reduce bureaucratic red tape for small business startups."
- Plans to "create a Small Business Resource Center to help entrepreneurs access financing and support."
- Supports partnering with other cities for regional economic development.
- Supports incentive programs bring in new businesses.

Economy

Plans to "create a dedicated Veterans Services Office at the county level."

- Plans to "create a dedicated Veterans Services Office at the county level."

Public Services

Supports "veteran-friendly housing and business policies"

- Supports "veteran-friendly housing and business policies"

Housing & Urban Development

Supports investments in community policing programs and youth after-school programs.

Plans to "improve lighting and infrastructure in high-crime areas."

- Supports investments in community policing programs and youth after-school programs.
- Plans to "improve lighting and infrastructure in high-crime areas."

Public Safety

Plans to "conduct a comprehensive infrastructure audit of all county roads and bridges."

Supports prioritizing repairs for overlooked neighborhoods.

Aims to "improve drainage and stormwater systems to prevent flooding."

Supports making the city's infrastructure maintenance schedule available to the public.

- Plans to "conduct a comprehensive infrastructure audit of all county roads and bridges."
- Supports prioritizing repairs for overlooked neighborhoods.
- Aims to "improve drainage and stormwater systems to prevent flooding."
- Supports making the city's infrastructure maintenance schedule available to the public.

Transportation & Infrastructure

As of July 23, 2026, Rutha Jackson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Energy & the Environment

Rutha Jackson

Shane Charles Gottwals earned a bachelor's degree from Mercer University. He lives with his wife, Abbey, and their five children in Byron, Georgia. 

Shane Gottwals (Houston County Commission, Post 2, Georgia, candidate 2022)

Shane currently serves as a Houston County commissioner. He was elected in 2022 and is in his first term. 

Shane is the owner and chief executive officer of Gottwals Books of Middle Georgia. 

As of July 23, 2026, Shane Charles Gottwals did not have a website or any information online.

Shane Charles Gottwals

- County Commissioners create and pass laws at the county-level. These laws show up in very tangible ways, such as determining how much you pay in property and sales taxes, public transportation, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners are responsible for preparing and passing the county budget. The budget determines how much funding goes to various public services, such as public transportation, law enforcement, repairing roads, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners oversee the administrative duties of your county’s government to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of county residents.
- County Commissioners are elected to 4-year terms in staggered years. Typically, you only vote for the County Commissioner that represents your county commission district.

Creates new laws and passes the budget for your county

Houston County Commissioner, Post 2

Candidates (2)