2020 Election Watch: Georgia, Nevada, and South Carolina Primaries
It’s primary day in Georgia, Nevada, and South Carolina and 22 RFS candidates have contested elections! For so many first-time hopefuls, today is just the beginning. As we continue to confront the ills of our society — both past and present — we look to leaders who will push for systemic changes to our broken systems.
From defunding and addressing the rampant abuse of law enforcement agencies across the country to fighting for accessible, affordable healthcare in the midst of a pandemic, we need elected officials who are willing to stand side-by-side with their communities in the worst of times.
Today’s primaries are especially important: Of tonight’s 22 contested elections, 13 candidates are BIPOC, running in states with storied histories of voter suppression. Our team will be monitoring results over the next few days closely and keeping an eye out for any voter maleficence that may occur (looking at you Georgia.)
In the meantime, get to know 22 of tonight’s candidates and learn more about where they’re from and their plans to improve life for their constituents.
CANDIDATES
Georgia
Aaron Whitely
Chatham County Commission, District 6
Aaron is a community activist, entrepreneur, and dedicated educational advocate. He is a husband and father of three who understands the importance of family values. Aaron co-founded Madigan LLC, a business development firm that helps startups grow and existing businesses expand operations. He is an army combat veteran (OEF 11–12), a Savannah State alumnus, and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
In the course of his community work, Aaron has had the opportunity to mentor young men through 100 Black Men Association of Savannah as well as The PittBulls Athletic Organization where he serves as coach and general manager. He has coached young men in basketball and baseball and young women in track and field. His dedication to education led him to launch reading and tutoring programs for the young men he mentors. Aaron is running for commissioner to help bridge a connection between government and the community. His platform is: youth engagement, business and job development, and transparency and accessibility.
Julia Hurtado
Cobb County (GA) Board of Education, Post 5
Julia Hurtado is a neurologic physical therapist who is eager to advocate for Cobb County students with the same devotion she brings to her patients.
Dr. Hurtado is running for School Board to ensure that every student has access to quality education regardless of sociocultural barriers or learning abilities, and that every teacher has the resources needed to lead students to success.
After learning of barriers to equity and transparency within the current Board, Dr. Hurtado decided to step up to champion these issues in order to unite rather than divide, and to build a coalition of community through education.
Darryl J. Terry II
Georgia State House of Representatives, District 56
Darryl was born and raised in Atlanta, and was the third generation of his family to graduate from the historic Frederick Douglass High School. Darryl attended Georgia Tech, graduating with a degree in Public Policy with a focus on sports law and politics. He currently teaches American Government at a local high school in Southwest Atlanta where he serves as the Defensive Backs Varsity Football Coach, Head Coach for Junior Varsity Football, and Head Baseball Coach.
Darryl is fighting for the development of a new, renewed Georgia. He plans to advocate for policies that are not only prosperous but inclusive and welcoming to all people regardless of race, sex, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, or gender identity. Darryl understands that our schools need improvement, citizens are suffering without access to basic healthcare, the criminal justice system needs to be overhauled, and infrastructure is crumbling.
Audrey Maloof
Georgia State House of Representatives, District 83
Audrey Maloof is a lifelong resident of DeKalb County, where she was raised by a public educator and a female business owner. Audrey’s involvement in government began in the Office of Congressman John Lewis, where she learned how to best serve constituents. Audrey expanded her experience and encountered all sides of government, federal, state, and local, during her time working for a Commission Office in DeKalb County.
Audrey is currently focused on protecting Georgia’s voters through her work with Fair Fight Action. All of these experiences throughout Audrey’s life have built her into someone who is dedicated to preserving the good of this district as well as doing better where we need to.
Marvin Lim
Georgia State House of Representatives, District 99
Marvin Lim is a Democratic candidate for Georgia State Representative, House District 99, where he has lived since 2001.
An immigrant who was formerly on public assistance, then later wrongly flagged as a non-citizen voter — all in Georgia, where his family came in 1991 — he channeled those experiences into a public interest career, becoming a civil rights and gun violence prevention attorney after graduating from Yale Law School. Currently, he works with the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence and on voting rights and other cases for Holcomb + Ward, after previously being at the ACLU of Georgia.
Rebecca Mitchell
Georgia State House of Representatives, District 106
Rebecca is a veterinarian, public health researcher and a mom of four small children, running for Statehouse in suburban Gwinnett County, Georgia. She is focused on bringing changes to healthcare in Georgia to expand coverage and increase mental health services for at-risk populations. As a mother of a child with a birth defect, she is passionate about improving maternal health and reproductive justice in Georgia.
Mac Sims
Georgia State House of Representatives, District 163
Mac was born and raised in Georgia, first hearing the call to public service in high school, and attending the United States Military Academy at West Point. After college, Mac was stationed at Fort Stewart Georgia where he served as an Army Officer. As a civilian, Mac has continued serving his community as a member of the NAACP, the Democratic Party of Georgia, and as an officer in the Chatham County Democratic Party.
Today, Mac seeks to return to government as a member of the Georgia General Assembly in State House district 163. Mac is excited to bring fresh representation to Savannah rooted in ethical public conduct and deep understanding of public policy. When elected, Mac will push for the expansion of medicaid, the improvement of dilapidated flooding infrastructure, and for expanded funding for Georgia’s public schools.
Dr. Kelly Johnson
Georgia State Senate, District 35
Dr. Kelly Johnson is running to represent Georgia’s 35th State Senate District. As a Navy Vet and PhD, Kelly has always had a passion for advocacy, policy, and community service. He chose to run because he cares about protecting a person’s right to choose their own path and to provide an example to the next generation. Outcomes like action to combat climate change, legalized cannabis, free school lunch, and the addition of financial literacy to the school curriculum are goals of his tenure in the State Senate. Kelly has been married for 10 years.
Kim Jackson
Georgia State Senate, District 41
Kim Jackson, an ordained Episcopal Priest, is a public theologian and a fierce community activist. Kim works to end the death penalty, advocates for women’s and children’s issues, and is passionate about creating a more just Georgia.
In 2018, the Georgia House of Representatives passed a resolution that commended her for her “tireless efforts on behalf of the disenfranchised, disenchanted, and dispossessed” (GA House Resolution 1188).
Kim is a graduate of Furman University, Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and Virginia Theological Seminary. She and her spouse, Trina, live on a small hobby farm in Stone Mountain with goats, bees, and chickens.
Matielyn Jones
Georgia State Senate, District 45
Matielyn is running for State Senate because she wants to see more compassion in politics. As a wife, mother, millennial, and woman of faith, she is deeply committed to using her gifts and talents in service to her community.
A native of New Orleans, LA, Matielyn graduated from Georgia State University with degrees in Political Science and Social Foundations of Education. In 2008, Matielyn became a Field Organizer for President Obama’s campaign in North Carolina. Following the historic win, she moved to Virginia, then Ohio, where she worked in education and ministry over the years.
Matielyn returned to Georgia and currently works for a global nonprofit as a Talent and Learning Project Specialist. She’s excited about the prospect of flipping this seat from red to blue and wants to encourage others to get involved in the political process beyond voting.
Derrick J. Wilson
Gwinnett County (GA) Commission, District 3
Derrick J. Wilson is a serial entrepreneur and the majority owner of a tax preparation company. Working as a contracted insurance adjuster brought Derrick to Georgia, where he fell in love with Gwinnett County.
Derrick’s dedication to family and community caused him to seek ways to be more involved. He joined Gwinnett County’s chapter of NAACP, which led him to become more politically focused. He later joined Gwinnett County Young Democrats and the Gwinnett County Democratic Party. Now, Derrick is fighting for diverse representation, economic development, and more, as a candidate for Gwinnett County Commissioner, District 3.
Nicole Love Hendrickson
Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners, Chair
Nicole is running for Gwinnett County Commission Chair because public service has always been her passion. She dedicated her entire career as a social worker serving people, empowering communities, and giving a voice to those who have been historically underrepresented in the decision-making arena.
As the county’s founding director of the community outreach program, Nicole experienced first-hand the role citizens can play in promoting good governance. She wants to continue building on that success while addressing the challenges that lie ahead. She has a vision for our future and the demonstrated leadership to move us forward.
Nicole knows that Gwinnett County represents the future of our nation, where diversity and entrepreneurship shine. Nicole knows we need leaders who can think not just about tomorrow but years down the road to envision a healthy, sustainable, and thriving place where everyone is welcome.
NEVADA
Howard Watts
Nevada State Assembly, District 16
Howard Watts is a Las Vegas native and UNLV graduate. For 6 years he worked as a community organizer to advance social, economic, and environmental justice issues. After winning election to the Nevada Assembly in 2018, Howard introduced and passed laws to improve water conservation, support electric vehicles, and improve Native American access to the ballot box. For his work in the community, Howard was recognized as a “Local Hero” by CityLife Magazine, “Activist of the Year” by Vegas Seven, and received the 2012 Mario Savio Young Activist Award.
Cecelia González
Nevada State Assembly, District 16
Cecelia González is a Las Vegas native and the daughter of two hard-working immigrant parents. They taught her the values of hard work, persistence, and giving back to the community. Growing up with limited resources in an immigrant family was instrumental in shaping her passion for fighting for social, environmental, and economic justice.
Cecelia has dedicated her life to being a public servant for over a decade. She is a Nevada educator, a local community activist, and an organizer. She has organized around interpersonal violence, women’s health, criminal justice reform, education, raising the minimum wage, and many other important issues. Cecelia has received both academic and community awards for her volunteer work and activism.
Her dedication to public service, education, and reforming the criminal justice system has led her to run for Assembly District 16.
Hunter Cain
Clark County Commission, District C
Hunter is a single foster parent that has fostered 12 youths and adopted two over the last three years. He joined the military a month after the Twin Towers fell, and honorably served for nearly a decade. After military service, Hunter served as Director of Community Outreach and Senior Veterans Caseworker for Congresswoman Dina Titus for 5 years.
Hunter is running to focus on the underserved communities, reform the DFS, address veterans issues on the local level, and tackle the homelessness crisis in Clark County, NV.
Kelli Kelly
Churchill County Commission, District 3
Kelli is running for a position on the Churchill County Board of Commissioners to build upon her foundation of citizen service and in order to bring a fresh perspective to the leadership of the county. She is a community-builder, match-maker, and problem-solver. Kelli believes in transparency and is committed to working collaboratively with all partners. These skills make Kelli an ideal candidate to help guide Churchill County strategically over the next four years.
Kelli works closely with a variety of organizations that help make Churchill County an amazing place to live. In her role as the Executive Director for the Fallon Food Hub, she connects Churchill County agricultural producers to customers throughout west-central Nevada. Kelli loves working with farmers to grow the reach of their businesses both by educating the community about the values of supporting local farmers and through advocacy at the local and state level.
In addition, Kelli volunteers her time fundraising for the Fallon Youth Club, organizing the Center Street Farmers Market, advising the Career and Technical Education department of Churchill County School District on the culinary industry, and as a trustee for the Churchill County Library.
Wendy Stolyarov
Sparks City Council, Ward 1
Wendy Stolyarov is running for Sparks City Council Ward 1 to fight for housing, workers, and equality — as well as to be the first LGBT+ councilmember in the City of Sparks. She is a government affairs professional and a community activist who’s worked for years to advance progressive policies that improve the lives of regular Nevadans.
As an LGBT+ Ward 1 resident and renter, Wendy knows how important housing, security, and dignity are for all of Sparks’s residents. Sparks must prioritize housing, fair wages, equality, and inclusion. On City Council, Wendy will make sure all of Sparks has a voice.
Kurt Thigpen
Washoe County Board of Trustees, District D
Kurt is running for office to become a voice for all students. Our students deserve a quality education. That begins with feeling safe, included, and accepted so that they can be empowered to be successful in their studies without worrying about things like getting to school safely, being bullied, or having access to equitable resources.
Kurt’s platform includes (1) expanding access to mental health to reduce suicide attempts among teens, (2) increasing equity and inclusion so that resources are available to all students regardless of their zip code, gender, race, religion or sexual orientation, and (3) rebuilding trust and transparency between the school board and the community.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Hamilton Grant
Richland County (SC) Council, District 8
Hamilton Grant is running to represent the citizens of Richland County, District 8 in one of the largest counties in the State of South Carolina. Hamilton is a native of the district and earned a BA from SC State University, where he currently serves on the Board of Trustees. He then earned his MBA from Alabama A&M University and returned home to District 8.
Hamilton wants to restore the trust of the council back to the community. He is committed to improving infrastructure, lowering the number of food desserts in the county, and creating a safer community.
Rhodes Bailey
South Carolina House of Representatives, District 75
Rhodes Bailey was born and raised in South Carolina and serves as a public defender in Columbia. He has worked in the public and private sectors throughout his career, representing all types of clients — from businesses to those who can’t afford representation. As a member of the SC House, he will continue to be a voice for most vulnerable, advocating for public education, affordable healthcare, criminal justice reform, a woman’s right to make her own health decisions, ballot access, environmental justice, and more.
The district Rhodes seeks is among the most competitive in the state and is within reach of turning from red to blue.
Jermaine Johnson
South Carolina House of Representatives, District 80
Dr. Jermaine Johnson is a community activist, avid volunteer, and public servant who will bring a new era to South Carolina House District 80. As a husband and proud father, Jermaine knows the value and importance of giving back to the community that has helped him raise his family and grow as a leader. At an early age, Jermaine witnessed firsthand the effects of poverty, gun violence, and homelessness.
As a gifted athlete, Jermaine used his skills on the basketball court to earn his way to a full scholarship to the College of Charleston. After graduating with a bachelors degree in Communications, he continued his athletic career and was drafted into the NBA’s D-League and went on to play for various teams abroad in Canada, Brazil, Mexico, and Portugal. But after years of traveling the world and playing the sport he loved, Jermaine decided that it was time to return home and pursue his other passion of serving others. Jermaine continued his educational pursuits and attained a graduate degree in Project Management and a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership. After working in the community for several years, he noticed there was a gap in access to employment assistance services in the community. Therefore, Jermaine founded New Economic Beginnings Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit workforce development organization that provides employment and life skill building assistance to underserved citizens in Richland County.
Daniel Brownstein
South Carolina House of Representatives, District 112
After plastic pellets began washing up on the beaches just outside of Charleston, SC, Daniel was concerned about the lack of response by his elected representatives. The 38-year-old father of two is running to protect the coastal environment from off-shore drilling, over-development, plastic pollution and the effects of climate change.
He also is passionate about creating a justice system that works for everyone. He has spent the past 11 years working on criminal justice reform efforts, including creating and managing innovative programs for a prosecutor’s office, lobbying the legislature to pass an anti-human trafficking bill, and a term on the Charleston County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, which is changing the way we are using our county jail.
Daniel holds an MBA from the University of South Carolina and works as marketing director of the law firm Richardson, Patrick, Westbrook & Brickman. As the only candidate with school-aged children, he is committed to ensuring all South Carolina students a quality, 21st century education. He is genuine, engaged, and ready to fight for the future of our coast.
