GOP candidates make final pitches ahead of Georgia primary runoff

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Candidates made their final pitches ahead of Tuesday’s runoff for the Georgia primary at a GOP candidate breakfast in Richmond County.

The breakfast was held Saturday at Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

Candidates included Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson, who is running for re-election against Steven Kendrick. Josh Tolbert is running for public service commissioner against Bobby Mehan. Shane Claffey spoke for Burt Jones, who is running for governor against Rick Jackson.

Johnson said Augusta could be more efficient and effective for its voters.

“We went through a process called a charter review committee,” Johnson said. “In my opinion, they made some delivered promises and changes that should be made in my next term. I’m going to make sure that those changes are implemented. We are going to ask the voters to decide and how to make Augusta better.”

Kendrick ran for mayor in 2022. He said some of his goals are to conduct an operational audit of city departments to find inefficiencies and to provide tax relief to neighbors, saying the city is not bringing in enough revenue.