Two people are dead after a domestic incident in the 3600 block of Grier Avenue in Columbus Tuesday morning. A third person was taken to the hospital for treatment. That person’s condition is unknown.
The Muscogee County Coroner’s office identified the homicide victim as 52-year-old Rachel Savage. Buddy Bryan said her 29-year-old son committed suicide. The third person involved was identified as the grandmother who was transported to Piedmont ER suffering from a gunshot wound.
Easily the most decorated and gifted soccer player to suit up for Commerce (’24 grad), and arguably to ever play in the BLITZ area, Ivy Tolbert has really hit her stride at Cornell. She’s now two years into her collegiate career, and is recently garnering a lot of national attention.
At Cornell, the midfielder has now played in 16 games for a total of 749 minutes. She’s earned four starts, and has taken seven shots on goal.
If those stats don’t jump out, it’s because we’re all used to seeing her score goals. For the Lady Tigers, Tolbert notched a mind-boggling 266 goals and 163 assists. She was a 4-time All-American at the HS level, and did all that in just three full seasons. A broken leg during her senior year in football really limited her that following spring as she played sparingly while recovering.
The BLITZ Hall of Famer and Soccer GOAT was named to the 2026 All-Ivy League Women’s Soccer Watch List, being one of just 24 players selected to the list.
She was named to the 2026 Women’s Soccer All-American Top 40, and Global Soccer Analytics has named her the Best Defensive Midfielder in the NCAA.
That’s high praise, and quite surprising as well after being a 3-time Georgia HS Player of the Year for what she brought in goals and assists.
Tolbert, a sophomore in her first season of competition, established herself as one of the most reliable and tactically essential players in the Ivy League,” says the release from GSA. “She was one of only six players on the Cornell roster to appear in all 16 matches. Cornell
repeatedly relied on Tolbert as its midfield stabilizer — the player inserted to settle the game, protect the back line, and restore control during the most demanding phases of competition.”
Here’s more from the official report:
Elite Pedigree and Historic Multi-Sport Background
Before arriving at Cornell, Tolbert was one of the most decorated high school players in the country. She was a three-time Georgia High School Soccer Player of the Year, a two-time USA Today National Player of the Year finalist and widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the United States.
Tolbert is also one of the most unique multi-sport athletes in Georgia history. She became only the second female player in Georgia High School Football history to score over 100 career points, a milestone that showcased her competitive toughness, consistency, and elite athletic profile. Her football achievements garnered statewide recognition and demonstrated the physicality and fearlessness that now define her role
as a collegiate No. 6.
Impact at Cornell
Her emergence in the No. 6 role aligned with a measurable defensive improvement from Cornell’s 2024 season to 2025. Tolbert’s ability to read danger early, break up evolving attacks, win critical second balls, and transition the team into purposeful possession made her the most complete and dependable holding midfielder in college soccer.
“Tolbert represents the modern defensive midfielder —athletic, intelligent, physical, composed, and indispensable,” said the Global Soccer Analytics evaluation team. “Her first year of collegiate play has already positioned her as the top No. 6 in the nation, with the upside to become one of the best at the professional level.”
Tolbert retains two years of Ivy League eligibility, giving her a long runway for continued development before entering the NWSL Draft, transfer portal, or professional opportunities abroad. Her combination of reliability, tactical maturity, and long-term potential makes her one of the most exciting defensive midfield prospects in the NCAA
landscape.
Key Attributes Identified by Global Soccer Analytics
Projected Professional Trajectory
Based on Tolbert’s current development curve, physical profile, tactical intelligence, and year‑over‑year progression, Global Soccer Analytics projects that if she continues on her established path, Ivy Tolbert profiles as a likely 1st- or 2nd‑round selection in the 2029 NWSL Draft. Her reliability in high‑leverage defensive phases, combined with her
upside as a modern holding midfielder, places her firmly within the early‑round professional talent pool.
Lewis Henry Benfield, age 88, of Clarkesville, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
Born on September 10, 1937, in Clarkesville, Georgia, Lewis was the beloved son of the late Marlor Lee Benfield and Sally Ivester Benfield. A lifelong resident of Clarkesville, he was known for his strong work ethic, quiet kindness, and deep devotion to his family.
Lewis dedicated many years of his life to honest and faithful work. He was employed with Chicopee Manufacturing for 15 years and later retired from T.C. Baycor of Cornelia after more than 30 years of dedicated service. Those who knew Lewis admired his reliability, humility, and pride in providing for his family.
Above all else, family was most important to Lewis. He cherished time spent with his loved ones and leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and perseverance that will continue through generations.
In addition to his parents, Lewis was preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty Jo Martin Benfield; his son, David Benfield; his brothers, Cosby Benfield, Wilmer Benfield, and Curtis Benfield; and his sisters, Audrey Duncan Dixon and Sam Watkins.
Survivors include his children, Diane and Terry Lovell, Linda and Robert Smith, and Ronnie Lee Benfield; his brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Brenda Benfield; his sister, Doris Sims; his sister-in-law, Glenner Allen Benfield; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends who will miss him dearly.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, with Rev. Kenneth McEntire officiating. Masonic Rites will be provided by the Mount Airy Masonic Lodge #141 F & A.M.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the service hour on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital by visiting donate.shrinerschildrens.org.
The family would like to express their deepest appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to the kind and caring staff of Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center for the compassion, comfort, and dignity shown to Lewis and his family during his time of need.
An online guest registry is available for the Benfield family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706-778-8668), is in charge of arrangements.
Columbus State graduates dominate the list of 2026 Muscogee County Teacher of the Year honorees according to a press release from the University.
Half of this year’s Teacher of the Year honorees from the Muscogee County School District proudly display degrees from Columbus State University on their walls. What’s even more impressive is that several of these exceptional educators boast multiple degrees from the university.
The Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation (MEEF), which coordinates the annual Teacher of the Year selection and recognition process on the school system’s behalf, announced this year’s honorees on Jan. 29 in the university’s Schwob School of Music Legacy Hall. Of the 53 educators named teachers of the year by their respective schools, 26 are Columbus State graduates.
“This program is about more than awards,” explained Marquette McKnight, the foundation’s executive director. “It’s about recognition, respect and gratitude for the people who show up every day and make a real difference in the lives of our children. When we invest in great teachers, the impact reaches far beyond the classroom. It shapes our entire community.”
Annually, staff at each MCSD school select their school’s teacher of the year. Those school-level honorees then become nominees for district-level teacher of the year honors. MEEF’s selection committee, comprising Columbus business and education leaders, evaluates applications to narrow the field to 10 semifinalists. The committee then interviews the semifinalists to select its three finalists, who it then observes in the classroom to determine its top teacher for that year.
MEEF will announce the district-level 2026 Teacher of the Year winner at its annual gala on Thursday, May 7, at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center. The $70 tickets will go on sale March 23 at the RiverCenter Box Office.
Several Columbus State graduates have recently gone on from their school-level honors to be awarded the district’s Teacher of the Year award, including:
According to the Muscogee County School District, more than half of the system’s 5,500 educators, school counselors and administrators hold degrees from Columbus State. That is due in part to its “CSU Teaching Contract Guarantee” partnership launched in 2019. The guarantee ensures a system teaching contract for any Columbus State teacher education graduate who passes the student teaching component of their degree and who meets Georgia Professional Standards Commission induction certification requirements.
Students can pursue or deepen their teaching, counseling and leadership careers in the university’s College of Education & Health Professions, which offers a wide range of in-person, fully online or hybrid programs for aspiring elementary, secondary and higher education professionals. Those programs lead to bachelor’s (B.S.Ed.), master of arts in teaching (M.A.T.), educational specialist (Ed.S.), and doctorate in education (Ed.D.) degrees. Students can also pursue graduate-level add-on certificates and endorsements.
On February 3, 2026, at approximately 12:30AM, Officers with the LaGrange Police Department responded to a call of a person who had been shot at 150 Turner Street, Tall Pines Apartments. Officers located the victim, Marshawn Bailey of Columbus, GA, who had suffered a gunshot wound to his body.
Officers quickly rendered aid until LaGrange Fire and Troup County AMR arrived. Bailey was transported to a medical facility in Columbus, GA. The Criminal Investigations Division was responded to the scene to conduct their investigation into the shooting.
Anyone with information pertaining to this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective K. Scott at 706-883-2620.
Individuals who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips through the Tip411 system. This can be done via the mobile application, through the online portal, or by texting the keyword LAGRANGE to 847411. These channels are designed to ensure the public can share critical information confidentially and securely.
Chad Dee Simmemon, age 51, of Alto, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Born in Demorest, Georgia, on June 20, 1974, Chad was the beloved son of the late Winston Churchhill “Joy” Simmemon and Gail Elaine Dalton Simmemon.
Chad was a lineman by trade for many years, a profession he took great pride in. His skill, dedication, and strong work ethic were evident in everything he did. In his spare time, Chad loved woodworking and building anything related to line work—his hands were rarely still, and his creativity knew no bounds.
Known for his warm heart and playful spirit, Chad had a special gift for giving nicknames to everyone he was close to. He delighted in practical jokes, especially scaring folks just for a laugh, and he always aimed to bring joy and laughter wherever he went. Chad never met a stranger, and if you needed help, he was there—no questions asked, no hesitation.
In addition to his parents, Chad was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Barry and Charlene Tyler Mullinax.
Survivors include his loving wife of 30 years, Laura Mullinax Simmemon; daughters and sons-in-law, Dedra Simmemon Sanchez (Victor) and Shelby Simmemon (John Scott); special son, Mason Wilson; grandchildren, Ruby Sanchez, Kinsley Simmemon, Constance Scott, and Sarah Scott; brother, Truett Simmemon (Joy); aunt, Evelyn Dalton (Allen Whitner); nieces, Makayla Simmemon and Savannah Simmemon; former sister-in-law, Rochelle Simmemon; along with other relatives and a host of friends who will forever cherish his memory.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home, with Rev. John DuBois and Rev. Danny O’Kelly officiating. Interment will follow in Baldwin City Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday.
An online guest registry is available at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706-778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) — The first husband of former first lady Jill Biden has been charged with killing his wife at their Delaware home in late December, authorities announced in a news release Tuesday.
William Stevenson, 77, of Wilmington was married to Jill Biden from 1970 to 1975.
Caroline Harrison, the Delaware Attorney General’s spokesperson, confirmed in a phone call that Stevenson is the former husband of Jill Biden.
Jill Biden declined to comment, according to an emailed response from a spokesperson at the former president and first lady’s office.
Stevenson remains in jail after failing to post $500,000 bail after his arrest Monday on first-degree murder charges. He is charged with killing Linda Stevenson, 64, on Dec. 28.
Police were called to the home for a reported domestic dispute after 11 p.m. and found a woman unresponsive in the living room, according to a prior news release. Life-saving measures were unsuccessful.
She ran a bookkeeping business and was described as a family-oriented mother and grandmother and a Philadelphia Eagles fan, according to her obituary, which does not mention her husband.
Stevenson was charged in a grand jury indictment after a weekslong investigation by detectives in the Delaware Department of Justice.
It was not immediately clear if Stevenson has a lawyer. He founded a popular music venue in Newark called the Stone Balloon in the early 1970s.
In an interview with the conservative news outlet Newsmax in 2024, Stevenson criticized Jill Biden and he described their divorce as contentious, calling her “bitter” and “nasty.”
Jill Biden married U.S. Sen. Joe Biden in 1977. He served as U.S. president from January 2021 to January 2025.
By Mingson Lau and Maryclaire Dale
(Alabama Reflector) — Voters in Chambers and Lee counties will go to the polls Tuesday to choose a new state representative in the House District 38 special election.
Voters will choose between Republican candidate Kristin Nelson, chair of the Chambers Party Republican Party and Democratic candidate Hazel Floyd, a recent graduate of the University of Alabama.
The seat became vacant after Rep. Debbie Wood, R-Valley, stepped down last year.
The district has been largely Republican since 2014 when former Rep. Isaac Whorton ran unopposed. Wood gained 69% of the vote when she ran in 2018 and faced no serious competition in 2022.
Nelson said in an interview Monday that her priorities include strengthening law enforcement and improving education in the state.
“What I would like to see happen statewide is for there to be funding through the Education Trust Fund for school resource officers, for one in each school. And then according to the population maybe more if it’s a big school,” she said. “I feel like what that does, as far as the rural effect, is that they become a community advocate for our children and for our parents so it has this ripple effect.”
Nelson also said she wants to eliminate taxes where it’s possible.
“What my goals and plans were going into this election was to reduce our state income tax, not to go to a complete flat rate, but to just reduce it a small amount and what I feel like that will do is increase business opportunities and so it creates a strong workforce,” Nelson said.
Floyd, who graduated from The University of Alabama and spent her childhood in the public education system, said in an interview Monday that she wants to protect public education.
“The Alabama government is wanting to expand the CHOOSE Act and that’s going to hurt our public education system incredibly,” she said. “I’m a public education baby, I would not be who I am today without my teachers, so I want to make sure that they get the raises they deserve, the funds they deserve and that our public schools can stay open and can do better.”
The CHOOSE Act is a voucher-like program that extends tax credits to families for non-public education expenses including private school tuition.
Nelson said people should choose her at the polls because of her experience.
“You can look at my background and my resumes and just see that I’m someone who didn’t just step into community leadership roles within the last year, it’s been a huge part of my life,” she said.
Floyd said voters should choose her because “it’s time for a change.”
“A lot of people have had the same issues. The school system has been a problem for as long as I can remember and we’ve been voting the same political party in,” she said.
According to campaign finance records, through Feb. 2, Floyd had raised $3,054.24 and spent $2,525.10. Nelson had raised $158,135 and spent $93,275.89.
Both candidates have qualified for the 2026 midterm elections in November.
Age: 41Residence: LanettOccupation: Stay-at-home mom, part time at an engineering consulting firmEducation: Associates degree, Southern Union Community College, 2004; B.S. Business Administration, Troy University, 2007; M.S. Education, Troy University, 2011Party: RepublicanPrevious political experience: First-time candidateCampaign fundraising: Through Feb. 2, Nelson raised $158,135 and spent $93,275.89.
Age: 21Residence: ValleyOccupation: unemployedEducation: B.A. Political Science and Philosophy, the University of Alabama, 2025; Associates degree, Southern Union State Community College, 2023Party: DemocraticPrevious political experience: First-time candidateCampaign fundraising: Through Feb. 2, Floyd had raised $3,054.24 and spent $2,525.10.
HARTWELL, Ga. — A 29-year-old man died after deputies and firefighters pulled him from a burning home in Hartwell, according to the Hart County Sheriff’s Office.
Hart County 911 received a report of a structure fire at 1:39 a.m. on February 2 at a residence on Old Sardis Drive. Deputies and Hart County Fire crews arrived and immediately began searching the home to determine if anyone was inside.
Authorities broke a window in the area where the occupant was believed to be staying and spotted a victim inside. Deputies and firefighters removed the man through the window and began life-saving measures until Hart County EMS arrived.
Despite their efforts, the victim — identified as Jovan Ferronte Patterson, 29, of Hartwell — did not survive. The Hart County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene.
The sheriff’s office has requested assistance from the Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office to investigate the cause of the fire. Officials say the investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details have been released.
Sheriff Chris Carroll commended the deputies and firefighters for their quick response and bravery in entering the burning home to rescue Patterson.
WASHINGTON — A federal judge late Monday blocked the termination of temporary protections for roughly 350,000 Haitians from taking effect, a move that prevents the Trump administration from acting to deport them as litigation continues.
In a searing 83-page order, District of Columbia federal Judge Ana C. Reyes found that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem does not have “unbounded discretion” to terminate Temporary Protected Status for Haiti and rejected the Trump administration’s arguments that ending the status is in the public interest.
“Secretary Noem complains of strains unlawful immigrants place on our immigration-enforcement system. Her answer? Turn 352,959 lawful immigrants into unlawful immigrants overnight,” Reyes wrote. “She complains of strains to our economy. Her answer? Turn employed lawful immigrants who contribute billions in taxes into the legally unemployable. This approach is many things—in the public interest is not one of them.”
The decision came the day before hundreds of thousands of Haitians were at risk of losing their work permits and deportation protections, opening them up to removal.
The Trump administration has moved to strip the legal status of immigrants, as many as 1.5 million, by ending the TPS designation and revoking humanitarian protections initially granted under the Biden administration. So far, Noem has ended TPS for 12 countries.
Reyes said the Trump administration would face no harm by allowing TPS recipients from Haiti to keep their legal status while they challenge Noem’s move to end their status.
Last year, Noem initially tried to remove extended protections for TPS holders from Haiti granted under the Biden administration, which meant protections would end by August. But several judges found that move from Noem an overreach of her authority.
TPS is usually granted for 18 months to nationals who hail from a country deemed too dangerous to return to due to violence and instability.
In her order, Reyes cited contradictions by the Trump administration in its attempts to end TPS for Haiti. She pointed to Noem’s argument that conditions in Haiti have improved, but at the same time the State Department has a “do not travel” advisory for Haiti because of violence.
There has been escalating gang violence in Haiti since the assassination of the country’s president in 2021.
“There is an old adage among lawyers. If you have the facts on your side, pound the facts. If you have the law on your side, pound the law. If you have neither, pound the table,” Reyes wrote. “Secretary Noem, the record to-date shows, does not have the facts on her side—or at least has ignored them. Does not have the law on her side—or at least has ignored it. Having neither and bringing the adage into the 21st century, she pounds X (f/k/a Twitter).”
Reyes was nominated by former President Joe Biden.
Reyes added that one of the arguments from the plaintiffs – Haitian TPS recipients – that Noem “preordained her termination decision and did so because of hostility to nonwhite immigrants,” is likely substantial.
Reyes also pointed to the 2024 presidential campaign, where President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance spread false rumors claiming Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, ate residents’ pets.
In her order, she said Trump referred to those Haitians with TPS as being in the country without legal authorization, despite their legal status, and recalled how the president vowed to revoke “Haiti’s TPS designation and send ‘them back to their country.’”
There are five Haitian TPS recipients who are plaintiffs in the case. They argued that Noem violated the Administrative Procedure Act, the process of how agencies issue regulations, by ending TPS for Haiti.
Those recipients include Fritz Emmanuel Lesly Miot, who is a neuroscientist researching Alzheimer’s disease who has had TPS since 2011; Rudolph Civil, a software engineer at a national bank who was granted TPS in 2010; Marlene Gail Noble, a laboratory assistant in a toxicology department who’s been a TPS recipient since 2024; Marica Merline Laguerre, an economics major at Hunter College and a TPS holder since 2010; and Vilbrun Dorsainvil, a full-time registered nurse and TPS holder since 2021.
This is not the first time the Trump administration has tried to end the TPS designation for Haiti, but the courts blocked those attempts in 2018.
Monday’s decision came as a brief relief for immigrants and advocates in Springfield, Ohio.
“This 11th hour reprieve is, of course, welcome,” Ohio Immigrant Alliance Executive Director Lynn Tramonte said in a statement. “But people can’t live their lives like this, pegging their families’ futures to a court case. The least this country can do is honor their strength and contributions by giving them a permanent home.”
CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — City Manager Keith Dickerson will step down from his position with the City of Clarkesville on Feb. 20, ending more than six years with the city, Mayor Franklin Brown announced Monday night.
Brown made the announcement at the conclusion of the Clarkesville City Council meeting, saying Dickerson will return to McDonough, where he lived for more than 15 years before coming to Clarkesville.
“Keith Dickerson is retiring and moving back to McDonough the 20th of this month,” Brown said.
Brown said the city does not plan to immediately begin a search for a new city manager and will instead take a measured approach while relying on existing leadership and staff.
“We’re not immediately going to jump out and seek a city manager,” Brown told Now Georgia following the meeting. “We’ll take our time and see kind of who applies. We don’t have to just hire somebody off the bat.”
Brown said he will assume day-to-day administrative duties on an interim basis, citing flexibility in his schedule.
“I only spend about one day a week with my own business,” Brown said. “So I have the time, I have the opportunity, and I look forward to doing so.”
Brown praised Dickerson’s service to the city.
“You have been an asset to this city,” Brown told Dickerson. “I’ve personally enjoyed working with you, and you’ve done a remarkable job for Clarkesville.”
Dickerson, who was given the floor at the end of the meeting, thanked city leaders, staff and residents.
“I’ve absolutely enjoyed working here,” Dickerson said. “It was a blessing to have an opportunity to come to Clarkesville, and I really enjoyed the staff and the mayor and council that I’ve worked with.”
He said he is confident in the city’s direction and leadership moving forward.
“You’re definitely headed the right direction,” Dickerson said. “That’s what makes us unique up here. We’re going in a little different direction than a lot of people are, and I’m excited about the future of Clarkesville.”
Dickerson said his departure does not mean he plans to stay away permanently.
“That doesn’t mean I’m not coming back to live up here,” he said.
After the meeting, Dickerson told Now Georgia he is leaving to pursue a new professional opportunity.
“I’ve been offered an opportunity to do some different type of work, so I’m going to take that opportunity,” he said.
Asked whether the city is prepared to operate without him as several new council members and staff have taken office, Dickerson said he believes Clarkesville is well positioned.
“Absolutely,” he said. “Mayor Franklin Brown is up to date on everything. He’s going to step in and be able to handle a lot of those administrative duties, along with the city clerk, and they should be able to move right along. We’ve got better staff and more staff than we’ve had in a long time.”
Dickerson said he considers the completion of the Clarkesville Community House and the demolition of the old courthouse property among his proudest accomplishments during his tenure.
When asked if he had a final message for residents, Dickerson expressed gratitude.
“I absolutely enjoyed serving up here,” he said. “It was a blessing for me to come here, and I’m just thankful to have had the opportunity.”
Ossoff’s dominance in the U.S. Senate money race continues
Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff is entering 2026 with a huge fundraising edge over his Republican rivals, while one of Georgia’s longest serving lawmakers is facing a potentially competitive primary and Republicans in northwest Georgia are preparing for the difficult task of finding Marjorie Taylor Greene’s replacement.
Congressional and U.S. Senate candidates spent the weekend snowed in and taking stock of the money they raised and spent during the final three months of 2025. The numbers are giving us an idea of just how much money it will cost to build a campaign that reaches every Georgian.
Ossoff, seeking his second six-year term, raised nearly $10 million during the fourth quarter of 2025. He starts the new year with an astonishing $25 million on hand, the most of any incumbent senator facing a competitive race this year.
“Georgia remains a red state and Sen. Ossoff is already facing millions of dollars of Republican spending against him,” Ossoff’s campaign said in a press release.
Republicans must first settle on a nominee of their own before they can start aiming any attacks and resources at Ossoff, and last year’s final three-month dash for cash suggests that they are still a long way from doing so. While U.S. Reps. Mike Collins and Buddy Carter fight to become the MAGA-sphere’s preferred candidate, ex-Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley hopes he can bridge the (growing) divide between conservative hardliners and the party establishment.
Dooley raised a little more than $1 million in the fourth quarter as he works to establish himself in a state where his last name is etched in college football lore.
Carter, a pharmacist from St. Simons Island who has filed bills in support of President Donald Trump’s Greenland takeover push, raised $1.7 million between October and December, which includes a $1 million loan from his own wallet.
And Collins, a trucking executive from Butts County and one of the president’s most vocal defenders on Capitol Hill, brought in a little less than $825,000. It was Carter who ended the period with the most money left to spend, reporting a leftover $4.1 million while Collins and Dooley each had about $2 million on hand to start the new year.
President Trump, known for picking favorites in volatile Republican primaries, has yet to weigh in on Georgia’s Senate showdown. But Ossoff, who narrowly won office in 2021 after rising to prominence in a congressional special election during the early months of Trump’s first presidency, is nevertheless preparing for a tough battle to defend his seat.
“The Q4 haul underscores the massive momentum building behind the only Democratic senator up for re-election in a state that Donald Trump won,” said Ossoff campaign spokesperson Ellie Dougherty.
Trump’s involvement could also prove to be critical in northwest Georgia, where 21 Republicans (yes, roughly two dozen candidates) are competing in a special election next month for the solidly Republican Congressional District 14 seat previously held by Greene. Among them are Lookout Mountain District Attorney Clayton Fuller, ex-state Sen. Colton Moore, former FEMA official Star Black, former Paulding County Commissioner Brian Stover and pastor Tom Gray.
Greene resigned last month, which means none of her potential successors have a full quarter of fundraising under their belts. Early fundraising reports point to a three-way race between Moore, Fuller and Gray – the only candidates who have eclipsed the six-figure threshold thus far.
And U.S. Rep. David Scott, currently the ‘dean’ of metro Atlanta’s congressional cohort, is facing what might be the most competitive primary of his career as the party grapples with an uncomfortable debate over the ages of some of its leaders. The 80-year-old Atlanta Democrat, who once chaired the House Agriculture Committee, brought in less than $85,000 since October – one of his weakest election-year hauls since winning office in 2002.
State Rep. Jasmine Clark of Lilburn and former Gwinnett County school board leader Everton Blair are among the handful of elected Democrats mounting well-funded bids against Scott in District 13, which covers parts of six counties south and east of Atlanta. Clark said Monday that she raised $130,000 in the previous quarter – and an additional $160,000 in January alone.
“I am floored by the outpouring of support that our campaign has received since I entered the race,” said Clark, a microbiologist and a part-time Emory University professor. “When we launched this campaign in June, we knew this fight wouldn’t be easy. But the tremendous support from more than 11,000 donors, people from every county and city in this district, have powered this campaign and built a machine that is ready to send a scientist to Washington DC.”
The May primary is practically the equivalent of a general election in District 13, where African Americans account for a vast majority of the electorate.
Elsewhere, state Rep. Houston Gaines, an Athens Republican, remains in firm control of the race for Collins’ District 10 seat in northeast Georgia. Down on the coast, multiple Republicans are running to succeed Carter, but year-end fundraising reports say the early frontrunner is Jim Kingston – the son of former southeast Georgia congressman Jack Kingston.