41NBC’s Tyrik Wynn and Fiona King to moderate Middle Georgia Decides 2026 Candidate Forum

The event, organized by Middle Georgia Matters, Inc., will take place at the Mill Hill Community Arts Center, 213 Clinton St., from 5 to 9 p.m. The formal program is scheduled for 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Middle Georgia voters will have an opportunity to hear directly from candidates running for offices across the ballot during the Middle Georgia Decides 2026 Candidate Forum Thursday, Sept. 17, in Macon.

41NBC morning anchors Tyrik Wynn and Fiona King will serve as moderators, with Sheknita Smith serving as host.

Organizers say the forum is designed to bring candidates and voters together for an evening of questions, conversation and civic engagement.

Several candidates are scheduled to participate, including Keisha Lance Bottoms, candidate for governor; Miriam Paris, candidate for Georgia House District 142; Eric Wilson, candidate for Georgia House District 145; Renita Duncan, candidate for Georgia House District 147; Cynthia Johnson, candidate for Georgia House District 148; Dr. Kelly Esti, candidate for U.S. House District 8; Sheila Edwards, candidate for Public Service Commission District 5; Dr. Josh Tolbert, candidate for Public Service Commission District 5; Peter Hubbard, candidate for Public Service Commission District 3; Nikki Porcher, candidate for Georgia Commissioner of Labor; Keisha Sean Waites, candidate for Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner; Josh McLaurin, candidate for lieutenant governor; Matt Day, candidate for U.S. House District 2; and Calvin Dennis Palmer, candidate for Georgia House District 142.

The event comes as Georgia candidates campaign ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Among the statewide races are the contests for governor and U.S. Senate. Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson is facing Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms, while Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff is facing Republican nominee Mike Collins.

Organizers say the invitation to participate was extended to candidates in the races included in the forum. However, Rick Jackson, Mike Collins and Jon Ossoff are among several candidates who have not accepted the invitation to participate.

The absence of those candidates means some of Georgia’s highest-profile statewide and federal races will not have every candidate represented at Thursday night’s forum.

Organizers say the event remains focused on providing voters with an opportunity to hear from participating candidates and learn more about the races and offices appearing on the ballot.

The forum is free and open to the public, with organizers encouraging residents to attend and engage with the candidates.