Fort Valley, Ga (WGXA) - District 18 covers a wide stretch of Middle Georgia, including Crawford, Peach, Monroe, Upson, Houston, and Bibb counties. Voters will soon choose a new representative, and so far, only one Democrat has entered the race -- LeMario Brown of Fort Valley.
WGXA traveled to Fort Valley to speak with Brown about his campaign and the issues driving his bid for the Georgia Senate. Brown, who previously served in Fort Valley city government, said his decision to run is rooted in the growing financial strain facing families across the district.
"We've been facing an affordability crisis," Brown said. "A lot of people are having trouble just buying groceries, putting gas in their cars, and deciding whether they can afford health care premiums. In these rural areas, we're also seeing hospitals close, which makes things even harder."
Brown emphasized that his platform focuses on prioritizing everyday residents over corporate interests. He pointed to his local government experience as preparation for the role, noting he served six years on the Fort Valley City Council, including time as mayor pro tem.
"This is a step up to make sure we're taking care of smaller communities," Brown said. "We want to make sure everyone has access to affordable health care."
When asked why he believes rural areas are often overlooked, Brown cited high poverty levels and a lack of private investment in small towns such as Fort Valley, Roberta, and Thomaston.
"We have to give these communities a real shot," he said. "That means investing in education, infrastructure, and criminal justice reform. We don't want young men and women being locked up for minor issues."
Brown said his first priority, if elected, would be evaluating ongoing legislative efforts and pushing forward policies that directly impact affordability and economic stability.
"This isn't a red or blue issue -- it's a green issue," Brown said. "It's about making sure people have enough money in their pockets to sustain themselves."
Describing himself as deeply connected to the region, Brown said his work has always focused on Middle Georgia and its rural communities. He also highlighted his willingness to work across party lines, pointing to collaborations with Republican colleagues during his time on city council.
"Some of the legislation we worked on wasn't about politics," he said. "It was about making sure people had basic necessities."
Brown said his local roots set him apart from other candidates in the race.
"I'm a graduate of Fort Valley State University," he said. "I'm right here with everyday people. When you go to the grocery store, you're going to run into me."
Other candidates in the race include Howard Allison, Lauren Daniel, Steve McNeel, Mathan Warnock, and Eric Wilson -- all running on the Republican ballot.