Forsyth Mayor Eric Wilson, Macon attorney Steven McNeel talk state senate bids

The two candidates join former state representative Lauren Daniel in the republican primary for the district 18 state senate seat.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – One Middle Georgia 2026 midterm election contest is starting to take shape.

This week, Eric Wilson, the Mayor of Forsyth, announced his candidacy for the district 18 state senate seat, seeking to replace John F. Kennedy (R-Macon) as he vies for the lieutenant governor position. Macon attorney and farmer Steven McNeel also threw his hat into the ring for the open state senate seat.

“I’m a commonsense conservative,” Wilson said. “And I want to get in the race and help people in the district.” 

Wilson has served as the mayor of Forsyth since 2016. During that time, he says the city has lowered taxes and greatly improved its infrastructure. Mayor Wilson says he wants to use that same formula across district 18 and continue the work of the current Republican majority. He listed three main campaign focuses.

“The eventual elimination of the state income tax,” Wilson said. “We want to reign in these out-of-control insurance premiums that our families and businesses have to pay. And we want to work to support our public safety community.” 

McNeel also describes himself as a commonsense conservative. He says he’s entering politics to tackle issues like wasteful spending and looks to address other areas that impact Georgia families.

“I want to put parents and their students first by supporting school choice, while at the same time, supporting all schools,” McNeel said. “I want to continue backing the blue and giving law enforcement the resources they need so that they can protect our families from crime.”

McNeel is a timber farmer, and as state senator, says he would work hard to support Georgia agriculture. McNeel praised President Trump’s agenda, along with republican state leadership. He says he’ll take his vision of a thriving district 18 to Atlanta.

“I want to support our Second Amendment rights, the right to bear firearms,” McNeel said. “I want to protect the unborn. And continue fighting for family and faith-based values under the gold dome.” 

The two candidates join former state representative Lauren Daniel in the republican primary for the district 18 state senate seat. Wilson’s candidacy means that he’ll have to resign from his mayoral position next year, and the City of Forsyth will hold a special election to find his replacement.