Meet the Republicans trying to flip Georgia’s 2nd Congressional District
Among Georgia’s congressional races, the 2nd District may be the most closely contested come November.
The redrawn district that includes much of Columbus and Macon leans Democrat. Flipping it red will be no easy task.
Still, Republicans are hoping to ride midterm momentum and oust longtime incumbent Sanford Bishop, who is running for reelection and faces a primary challenge from Joe O’Hara.
Republicans are eyeing Bishop, and Democratic PACs are pouring money into the district as part of the wider battle over congressional control.
Sabato’s Crystal Ball, an online political newsletter, lists the race as “Leans D,” — the only Georgia race near the “Toss-Up” category.
“Every rating service continues to move GA-02 away from blue and towards red. The consensus now is that our district is Georgia’s only swing district,” said GOP 2nd District chairman Brandon Phillips. “ The opportunity is so apparent we’ve even got candidates coming from other states to run. Our base is excited, and we’re ready.”
The six Republicans who qualified to unseat Bishop are facing off in the May primary. The Ledger-Enquirer and Macon Telegraph sent three questions to each of the candidates.
Their responses can be found below. Some have been shortened and edited for clarity.
Q: Why are you running for Congress?
Vivian Childs
Vivian Childs is a published author, businesswoman, former principal and teacher who lives in Houston County. She and husband Henry Childs have been involved with the Houston County GOP for years. She’s served in several Republican organizations, including as chairman of the Georgia Black Republican Council, Georgia GOP state and executive committees.
“It’s time to wake up! Talk about being woke all you want. I say many are asleep. We are bleeding from sores like Inflation, trafficking, Fentanyl, and China. I can provide more than a band-aid. I am not a newbie to the needs of this district. Unlike others, I have assisted tirelessly to make things better, especially for farmers. I am the candidate that has shown what commitment, dedication, and integrity looks like.
What I say I will do is validated by what I have already done. Imagine how much more I will be able to accomplish as your congresswoman. We are in the fight of our lives. You do not need a sparring partner; you need a champion in the ring. I am your champion. Remember, this may your only opportunity to get it right. Tomorrow might be too late.”
Jeremy Hunt
Jeremy Hunt is a 28-year-old former U.S. Army Captain and Fox News commentator who recently moved to Columbus. As of early February, Hunt was attending Yale Law School.
Hunt’s residency has been a topic of discussion during the primary. He registered to vote in Muscogee County in February 2022, according to voting data maintained by the Georgia Secretary of State’s office.
“Every citizen in Georgia’s 2nd Congressional District deserves a representative of Congress who will fight for their opportunity to live the American Dream. Today, the American Dream is under attack. Inflation is crushing the family budget. America’s standing in the world is being challenged while weak leaders give nice speeches and take no action.
We constantly wake up to news of rising crime. Our students are being left behind in the classroom while society tells them that America isn’t exceptional. I have seen the best of America, and even deployed to Ukraine as an Army Intelligence officer. Now, I’m ready to fight for our community by representing the 2nd district in Congress because the American Dream is worth fighting for. The Second District needs a congressman who will fight for the people of this district – not follow the lead of D.C. elites.”
Wayne Johnson
Wayne Johnson, 70, is a U.S. Army veteran and businessman who lives in Macon. He served as a U.S. Department of Education official from 2017-2019.
“I am running because I am deeply concerned about the soul of our nation and the financial future of America. As a senior executive in the Trump Administration, I experienced firsthand how government in Washington is out of touch with the average American. I want to stop the stupid policies in Washington and make Washington serve the people of the 2nd District.”
Richard Robertson
Richard Robertson is a 50-year-old Air Force veteran who lives in Byron. He recently retired after 22 years of service as a communications officer and attorney with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.
“I’m running for Congress because I’m deeply concerned about the direction of our country.
Ronald Reagan warned we are only one generation away from losing our freedoms unless we fight, protect and defend them. I have a 14-year-old daughter and I want a free and prosperous America for her and other peoples’ children and grandchildren.
The current Biden administration is calling for censorship, vaccine mandates, calling parents ‘domestic terrorists,’ and allowing fentanyl and illegal immigrants to flow almost unimpeded across our border.
Also, the Biden administration and Democrat-controlled Congress are deliberately killing our fossil fuel industry and fueling the inflationary fire by adding $7 trillion in debt to our already out of control national debt — now over $30 trillion. These policies are decimating the American middle class, small businesses and our farmers here in Southwest Georgia while strengthening China, Russia and Iran.”
Chris West
Chris West, 38, is an attorney for a Thomasville real estate development company and an officer in the Georgia Air National Guard
“As an Air Force Officer, job creator, and Pro-trump America first fighter, I’m running for Congress to fight for our Southwest Georgia values and deliver real, meaningful results for our rural communities.
As someone who has lived, worked, raised a family, and created jobs in Southwest Georgia I know firsthand both the needs and opportunities of our district. We’ve got skyrocketing inflation, record gas prices, a crisis at our Southern Border, and an Administration that has failed us.
President Trump’s America first policies worked and in Washington, I’ll fight to put our country back on track and be a voice for Southwest Georgia families–not the establishment or special interests in Washington, D.C.”
Paul Whitehead
Paul Whitehead, 55, was born and raised in Macon. He is retiring from teaching high school government and economics teacher in California.
“I’m running to be the first openly Gay Republican elected to Congress. Yes, there have been Gay Republicans in the House of Representatives but they “came out” after their initial election while in office. This election in 2022 will be the first time that Republicans have initially elected a Gay man as their congressman.
Back in 2004, I won a Republican primary over two others in California, and I thought it would happen 18 years ago, but I lost the general election to Jane Harman.
Fast-forward 18 years and Georgia is ready. America is ready. The state of Georgia can make history this year. Let’s send an African American Republican Hershel Walker to the Senate and send a Gay Republican (me!) to the House of Representatives. Let’s show America that we Republicans are indeed inclusive of all people.”
Whitehead added jokingly that he would challenge North Carolina congressional candidate and American Idol star Clay Aiken to an MMA fight if both men won. Aiken, a Democrat, is also vying to be the first openly LGBT+ person elected to Congress from the south.
Q: What are the most important issues in this election?
Childs: America is the issue. America is under attack from within our own borders. The assurance of domestic tranquility in our communities should be at the forefront.
We have a mental health and a drug problem crisis that is out of line with our Constitutional values. Our independence is under attack. We are being told what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. You are being bullied into going against what you believe, being pleased with the invasion every day at our borders, crime explosion, defunding our lines of protection, and even being told what kind of car to drive.
Providing for the common defense, promoting the general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty are what define America. Only by trusting in God can these issues be resolved and allow Americans to achieve their dream of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Hunt: “In this election, we need to fight back against the disastrous decisions of the Biden administration.
Joe Biden has surrendered our economy, surrendered our border, and surrendered our country’s standing in the world. Meanwhile, Sanford Bishop proudly stands with Biden and votes for his dangerous agenda at every turn. The economy is weaker under this administration, with inflation at its highest level since the 1970s.
In Congress, I’m going to look out for the economic interests of our family, small business owners, farmers, manufacturers, and local leaders. Beyond economic policy, we need a congressman who will fight for the safety of our families. For me, that means voting to secure our southern border and support law enforcement, including our sheriffs working to crack down on crime and gang violence. I’ll also be an advocate for school choice so parents can have options and find what works best for their children. “
Johnson: “The most important issue for the people of the 2nd District is to have real representation. Sanford Bishop has taken this district for granted and no longer even tries to camouflage his support for Nancy Pelosi and Democrat leadership. The result is that the people of the district continue to suffer as they have for years. Failed Democrat policies on energy, immigration, and inflation make matters worse. I will work for the people of the 2nd District.”
Robertson: “My top four issues are energy independence, following the Constitution, securing the border, and protecting parental rights.
We were energy independent when Biden took office, and now we are reliant on foreign adversaries. The high cost of energy is impacting everything from high prices at the gas tank to electricity and food. It’s also raising costs for truckers, small businesses, and farmers.
Biden calls this a ‘Putin price hike’, but Biden said prior to election that he ‘will transition from the oil industry.’ Biden entered office and immediately killed the Keystone Pipeline, stopped drilling in the Alaskan Arctic and Gulf, and stopped new permits on federal lands.
This is deliberate, and it is crushing the American people. In addition to regaining energy independence, we have to get back to following our Constitution by protecting free speech, religious liberty, parental rights, the 2nd amendment, securing our border and holding government accountable.”
West: “There are a number of issues facing our families and our communities in Southwest Georgia right now, and it’s going to take someone with the courage, conviction, business experience, and leadership to solve these problems and deliver real results.
Whether it’s forty-year high inflation causing the price of everything from the grocery store to the gas pump to rise or the crisis at our southern border that’s allowing thousands of illegal immigrants to come into our country every day or our failures on a world stage — our country is at a crossroads.
On day one in Washington, I’ll work to lower costs for our families, deliver funding and resources for our farmers and producers, secure our border and stop the flow of illegal immigration, and be a voice for the needs of our rural communities.”
Whitehead: “Freshmen members usually do nothing except try their best to keep their noses clean in order to gain favor with their party’s leadership. ...Being honest, I will do the same thing as a new member. You have to get re-elected in order to do good work for your constituency. Therefore, to disingenuously drone on about the current hot-button issues makes for good campaign rhetoric but it eventually falls flat.
For me, and as a high school teacher, one topic is fentanyl deaths. As your Congressman, I vow to learn more about and attempt to deconstruct the supply chain that brings Fentanyl into our communities. Unfortunately, it will get only worse before it gets better. Of course, as a Freshman Member of the House, I will go along to get-along, but trust me on this topic: I will utilize the office to bring even more attention to this important family issue.”
Whitehead added that he wants to unite the Republican party.
Q: What sets you apart from your opponents?
Childs: “Healthcare, defense, an open border, inflation, chaos in our communities, and an agenda of socialism, communism, and (craziness) are our opponents.
What sets me apart from the men in this race is my results-driven experience and proven track record to solve challenges that face the district. As a businesswoman, I understand the challenges of inflation, regulations, and supply chain management that plague our farmers and businesses.
Having been a principal, I understand the value of curriculum that is not tainted with learning that is detrimental to our children’s wellbeing, parental involvement, safe school environments, and preparing our youth for success.
As part owner in my daughter’s medical practice, I am actively involved in solving challenges of access to quality care, prescription drugs, and rising medical costs. My husband was a ‘Full-Bird Colonel’ in the Air Force, and my father was a Chief in the Navy. I know the value-added of military bases and taking care of our veterans.”
Hunt: “Everyone in our May 24 Republican primary will give you political talking points. But the important question is ‘Who gives our party the best chance to beat Sanford Bishop?’
I’m the only candidate with organized grassroots in all 30 counties. I’m the only candidate with a voting base that represents all factions of the GOP. I’m the only candidate who has the resources to beat a 30-year incumbent. I’m the only candidate who will boldly take the conservative message to every city in our district and encourage independents and disappointed Biden voters to give our campaign a chance.
I’ll take our message to anyone because I’m fighting for everyone in our community. That’s how we will win. It’s time for a new congressman with a fresh vision for our district, and I’m ready to be that Congressman.”
Johnson: “My life experiences and business background set me apart from the other Republican candidates. I am the one candidate who can defeat Sanford Bishop in November.
I have created thousands of jobs. I served as a senior executive in the Trump administration overseeing $1.6 trillion dollars of taxpayer funds. I was born in Macon, went to school in Macon, graduated from Lanier High School, and got my degree on an ROTC Scholarship at Mercer University. I was a senior executive for Visa and have been in banking in several foreign countries. I currently own senior living homes in Macon, Monroe, and Milledgeville.
My entire career has been as a problem solver. I will bring these experiences to serve the people of the 2nd District.”
Robertson: “As a retired Lieutenant Colonel and JAG attorney with 22 years of domestic and international service, my life experience uniquely qualifies me for this job. I’m the only candidate that served in a combat zone, not just once but twice - Iraq and Afghanistan. This perspective is needed in Congress.
I love this country and I will fight for our freedoms and opportunities. I will stand up for what is right and what is Godly. I will boldly speak truth and not be moved by attacks.
I will protect our children and strongly support school choice, fiscal constraint, and cutting regulation for small businesses and farms. I will protect religious freedom, 2nd amendment rights, free speech, parental rights and support pro-life policies.
Sanford Bishop is not voting in alignment with Southwest Georgia values; he votes against school choice, for abortion, and for radical LGBTQ policy. I can defeat Sanford Bishop.”
West: “As a lifelong South Georgian, Air Force Officer serving in the Air Guard at Robins AFB, and job creator with a background in the Ag industry, I am the best candidate to defeat Sanford Bishop in November, rotate the crop, and finally flip Southwest Georgia red.
Some candidates in this race are from out of state and are funded by D.C. lobbyists and establishment politicians. Others are bureaucrats who support big government bailouts in the form of student loan debt forgiveness.
There is only one true homegrown American first conservative fighter who will fight for the people of Southwest Georgia and deliver real results in Washington and that’s Chris West.”
Whitehead: “There are many, many issues and principles that set me apart from my opponents, but the first issue or idea or principle that comes to mind is: FUN.
I have attempted this election with one focus: to enjoy the campaign because I believe that God wants us to enjoy our lives -- to live our lives to the fullest. When things get heavy, I remember to ask myself this question: ‘why would I want to be a congressman if it’s all stress and contention all the time? Paul, enjoy this day that God gave you. Paul, enjoy spending time with your 80yo parents and helping them around their house.’
I started out this race to meet new people and have a great time doing it -- and I am definitely succeeding.”
Whitehead encouraged voters to join him in brushing aside the headlines of today’s news and enjoying today.
This story was originally published May 10, 2022 at 5:00 AM.