The race is on for Georgia Senate District 15

It’s voting day in Columbus and across the state of Georgia. When the Dean of the Georgia Senate, Ed Harbison, announced that he would not seek another term after serving for 33 years in a district that covers seven counties in West Georgia, including Muscogee, four candidates jumped in the race for Georgia Senate District 15.

Chuck Hand

The lone Republican candidate in the race, Chuck Hand, was born in Columbus and now lives in Butler, Georgia. He initially qualified to run against Sanford Bishop’s 2nd Congressional seat, but when Senator Harbison announced his retirement, Hand changed his plans.

“I feel that I could build on Senator Harbison’s success in the counties represented in District 15. Outside of Muscogee County and the county seat, Columbus, the district is largely rural. I know the lay of the land and the people,” explained Hand.

When we talked with Hand today about the election results, he said the race will be interesting.

“I’m anxious to see if it’s going to be the “Prince”, referring to Harbison’s son, Edward, or Teddy Reese, the “Politician”. I think Alyssa Williams would be the most representative of the district,” said Hand.

Hand will watch the results alongside supporters of Lt. Governor Burt Jones at his watch party in Jackson, GA in his bid for Governor.

Edward Harbison

After serving 23 years in the military and another 26 years in state government with a focus on health care, Harbison is ready for whatever happens.

“I understand the assignment. I’ve learned how our government works. Start locally and matriculate upwards. You don’t build a house from the roof down. I’ve worked these counties included in District 15 for 26 years,” said Harbison.

Lessons also come from a father who passed down what he learned in life and politics. “Let your enemies be your footstool and build from there, because content and character matter,” according to State Senator Ed Harbison in advice to his son.

He said he has had a blast riding the roads, speaking to constituents, and waving to crowds across the counties alongside his father, Ed Harbison, in the past few weeks.

“I am a product of my district, a true representative. None of my competitors have put in that kind of work to bring the resources to the communities in the district. Whatever happens, I can’t lose. I am not a politician but a public servant,” said Harbison.

Harbison will be watching the election returns at his home with his family, Councilor Bruce Huff, and “those who have invested their time and support for me.”

Alyssa Williams

“My mom was a single parent of three children. My younger brother had cerebral palsy. My mother was his caregiver. Those experiences taught me compassion and a strong foundation for life,” said Alyssa Nia Williams.

Williams feels good about her campaign time spent in the past months.

“I’ve been out in the community. I’ve knocked on doors.  I’ve talked with business owners. I hope I’ve been effective in all seven counties throughout the district. The most important thing I’ve learned is that people want change,” according to Williams.

No parties tonight for Alyssa Williams. “I will spend the time at home with family and friends watching the returns.”

Teddy Reese

This is not his first time running for office. Reese previously ran in 2016 for the at-large Seat 10 on Columbus City Council, losing to incumbent Skip Henderson. He ran against incumbent Ed Harbison for Georgia Senate District 15 in the 2020 Democratic primary. He lost that campaign by only 1,400 votes.

Success came in 2022, when Teddy Reese was elected to succeed Calvin Smyre for the Georgia House of Representatives District 140. In that capacity, he served on the Consumer Affairs Committee and the House Agriculture Committee.

We did reach out to Reese, but he was not able to return our calls.

Now Georgia is following the GA District 15 Senate Race, local, and other state races. Stay tuned for results and follow ups with candidates.