Following brother’s footsteps, Karlton Howard wins House seat

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - The polls are closed, the ballots counted, and the new District 129 representative in Richmond County is Karlton Howard.

He says he ran for office to continue the legacy of service to the community and district after his brother, Wayne Howard, died, leaving the seat vacant.

He feels grateful for the chance to make his family and the people of Augusta proud.

“We had like 45 days to make this happen. In the midst of grieving, in the midst of the death of my brother, we had to make this happen. So we had to put on the happy face and connect with people, and the people spoke today,” he said.

Howard took the lead throughout the night, finishing with 1,810 votes, 68.38%.

We attended his watch party, where close friends and family gathered to show their support. Howard says he plans to go to work right away.

“There are some issues that need to be handled in our area, crime is an issue, and education is an issue. We’re concerned about our seniors, health care, and housing, and that’s a problem nationwide, but especially in our district. Over 50% of our district are seniors,” he said.

Another challenge is finding ways to keep teachers in the classroom after they are hired.

“At the same time, we’re concerned about education. We’ve got to figure out a way to do things to incentivize our teachers, do something about discipline, but at the same time, find a way to hire teachers and maintain them after we hired them,” said Howard.

Howard says his campaign was all about helping the people, and that is what he will continue to do for Augusta.

“We believe in assisting folk where we can and making sure they have a quality of life. And that’s what we hope to bring to this district,” he said.

Scott Camber finished with 244 votes, Davis Green with 158, and Brad Owens finished with 435.

Howard also says this is not the family seat but the people’s seat.

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