CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — Democratic congressional candidate Nick Alex brought his 2026 campaign to Habersham County on Thursday night, telling a receptive crowd at the Habersham County Aquatic Center that affordability, access to health care and transparency in representation will define his challenge to Republican incumbent Andrew Clyde in Georgia’s 9th District.
Crisis of Affordability
Alex, a retired banker from Atlanta, told supporters that “the crisis of affordability” is hitting North Georgia families harder than national leaders are willing to admit. He accused former President Donald Trump and Clyde of “deceiving Americans about inflation” and argued that the real cost of living continues to climb for workers, homeowners and parents.
“People in this district know groceries aren’t cheaper, housing isn’t cheaper and paychecks aren’t going further,” Alex said. “They deserve honesty about what’s happening and leadership that focuses on solutions, not slogans.”
Health Care Access
Health care access was another central theme. Alex criticized Clyde for supporting efforts to scale back Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, saying those decisions put rural families at greater risk.
“In North Georgia, health coverage is disappearing,” Alex said. “People are losing their doctors. Hospitals are struggling. And our representative in Congress is cheering it on.”
He also condemned immigration enforcement actions he said target “otherwise law-abiding, hard-working immigrant workers,” including some employed in agriculture and manufacturing in the 9th District. Alex said those workers are “part of the backbone of the local economy” and should not be rounded up or used as political messaging.
Alex further attacked Clyde for what he described as a lack of public engagement with constituents.
“He doesn’t hold town halls. He doesn’t take questions. He won’t stand in front of the people he represents,” Alex said, adding that he is willing to debate Clyde “anytime, anywhere” but that the congressman has declined.
The crowd gathered Thursday was strongly receptive, frequently applauding and offering comments and questions throughout the event. Several attendees pressed Alex on economic issues, health-care concerns and the direction of national politics.
Alex told supporters he plans more visits across the 9th District as he works to build momentum heading into 2026.
