Voter Guide: State Senate District 21 Special Election
Voters are already casting ballots for the August 26th Special Election to decide their next state senator. The race is expected to go to a runoff.
Over 7,000 voters have already cast their ballots in the hotly contested race to succeed Senator Brandon Beach after his appointment as Treasurer of the United States. With early voting closing Friday, The Georgia Wire is providing a voter guide for its readers.
State of the Race
As of Monday morning, nearly 36% of early voters are Democrats, which many election watchers say is enough to guarantee Democrat Debra Shigley a spot in the runoff. But Shigley’s numbers may not be what they seem. Recent reports indicate that at least one Republican is courting Democrat votes in North Fulton with a more moderate, anti-Trump message in order to secure the second spot in the next round.
Publicly available polling shows a tight race among the Republican candidates. With just one week to go until Election Day, a barrage of attacks are being leveled against the leading candidates.
The majority of attacks have been directed towards former Cherokee County Commissioner Steve West, who Democrats have painted as a “MAGA Republican” while his Republican opponent Jason T. Dickerson has dubbed him a “good ole boy” on the right. Speaking of, Mr. Dickerson has been the subject of negative campaign ads as well, dogged by reports he threatened to kill a neighbors beloved Yorkie and for his receipt of a $7 million PPP loan.
The Candidates
There are six Republicans and one Democrat who will appear on a single ballot. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election will occur on September 23rd.
Lance Calvert (R)
Occupation: Business Owner & CEO: Retail Fix IT
Hometown: Macedonia
Platform: Advocates for immediate elimination of the Georgia state income tax, smaller government, and family values.
Jason T. Dickerson (R)
Occupation: Investment Manager
Hometown: Canton
Platform: Running as a pro-business, moderate Republican who will lower taxes on business owners.
Stephanie Donegan (R)
Occupation: Marketing Associate
Hometown: Milton
Platform: Emphasizes outreach to minority and Latino voters, warning Georgia could shift politically if Republicans don’t broaden their appeal.
Brice Futch (R)
Occupation: Firefighter and EMT
Hometown: Canton
Platform: Advocates for a pro-family platform, expanding school choice, and opposing puberty blockers for minors.
Debra Shigley (D)
Occupation: Attorney, former TV anchor, author, small business owner, working mom of five
Hometown: Milton
Platform: Emphasizes affordability for families—expanding childcare, investing in public education, expanding healthcare access, closing coverage gaps, lowering prescription costs, and reproductive rights. Markets herself as a pragmatic, compassionate leader informed by real-life experience juggling work and motherhood
Steve West (R)
Occupation: Owner of a metal fabrication company
Hometown: Free Home
Platform: Advocates for phasing out the income tax and maintaining Georgia's business-friendly environment.
Brian Will (R)
Occupation: Successful entrepreneur, best-selling author, and former Alpharetta City Council member
Hometown: Alpharetta
Campaign & Platform: Advocates watchdog-style governance by instituting a Georgia DOGE program to track wasteful spending and phasing out the income tax.
Early Voting Locations
Veterans Memorial Park
"The Buzz" Rec Center
7345 Cumming Hwy,
Canton, GA 30115
Monday - Saturday | 8:30am-5:00pm
Cherokee Board of Elections
193 Lamar Haley Pkwy, Canton, GA 30114
Monday - Saturday | 8:30am-5:00pm
Alpharetta Library
10 Park Plaza,
Alpharetta, GA 30009
Monday - Friday | 9am-6pm
Saturday: 9am-5pm
Milton Library
855 Mayfield Rd,
Milton, GA 30009
Monday - Friday | 9am-6pm
Saturday: 9am-5pm