Macon resident George Thomas enters Georgia House District 142 race

Thomas says rising costs, health care access and education funding drove his decision to run.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Macon resident George Thomas announced Monday he is running for the Georgia House of Representatives District 142 seat, which covers Macon-Bibb County.

In an email sent to the 41NBC newsroom, Thomas said he decided to run after reflecting on his family, his community and the challenges facing local residents. He mentioned rising costs, access to health care and education funding as issues motivating his campaign.

“So today, with humility, purpose, and a deep love for this community, I am proud to announce that I am running to be your next District 142 Georgia State House of Representative,” Thomas wrote. “I am ready to work. I am ready to serve. And together, I believe we can build a stronger, fairer future for Macon and the state of Georgia.”

Thomas, who tells 41NBC he is running as a Democrat, said his late grandmother, Vernita Anthony, inspired his decision to seek office. He wrote that she dedicated her life to community service, including helping start special needs programs in Savannah and volunteering with Special Olympics across Georgia.

“I often ask myself a simple but powerful question. What can I do to uplift the community I call home?” Thomas wrote.

The seat is currently held by Miriam Paris, who has represented the district since 2017. Primary Election Day for the race is May 19.

Thomas previously ran for the Macon-Bibb County Commission District 6 seat in 2024 and lost to incumbent Raymond Wilder.

According to previous 41NBC reporting, Thomas is a Westside High School graduate and earned his bachelor’s degree from Savannah State University and a master’s degree from Valdosta State University. He currently works as the Director of Leasing and Office at NewTown Macon, where he is responsible for leasing lofts and coworking space, managing office and commercial space and general inquires. He previously worked with River Edge Behavioral Health, where he helped coordinate housing for hundreds of tenants across Middle Georgia.

In his announcement on Monday, Thomas said he believes Macon has made progress but still faces significant challenges.

“Right now, families are feeling the pressure,” he wrote. “Prices are higher than they have ever been. The dream of homeownership is farther out of reach than it was just eight years ago when my family purchased our home. Healthcare costs are through the roof, forcing too many people to make the impossible choice of simply going without care. Our education system is underfunded, placing heavier and heavier financial burdens on our local school districts and the families they serve.”

Thomas has launched a campaign Facebook page titled “George Thomas For GA House District 142.”