Candidates qualify for Georgia Senate races affecting Middle Georgia voters

Multiple candidates enter state Senate races across Bibb, Houston, Baldwin and surrounding counties ahead of the May 19 primary.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- Candidates have qualified for several Georgia State Senate races that will appear on the May 19 primary ballot affecting Middle Georgia voters.

The races include districts covering Bibb County, Houston County, Baldwin County, and surrounding areas.

Voters will choose party nominees during the May primary election. Winners will advance to the general election on November 3.

One of the races includes an open seat following the retirement announcement of a longtime state senator.

Georgia Senate District 15

Georgia Senate District 15 will be an open race following the announced retirement of Sen. Ed Harbison, who said he will step down after the 2026 legislative session.

Harbison, known as the Dean of the Georgia Senate, was first elected in 1992.

In a statement announcing his retirement, Harbison said:

“I am grateful to have served in the Georgia Senate for over 30 years, representing the citizens of the 15th District. Being able to serve West Georgia as a legislator has been the greatest honor of my life.”

Before serving in the Senate, Harbison served in the United States Marine Corps, where he received the Purple Heart for his service in the Vietnam War.

District 15 includes parts of the 41NBC coverage area, including Macon County and Taylor County.

Three Democrats have qualified for the race:

• Alyssa Williams, a business consultant from Muscogee County

• Edward D. Harbison, a human resources director from Muscogee County

• Tremaine “Teddy” Reese, an attorney from Muscogee County

One Republican has qualified:

• Charles Herbert Hand III of Taylor County, who lists his occupation as a construction superintendent.

Georgia Senate District 18

In Georgia Senate District 18, Republican incumbent Steven McNeel of Bibb County has qualified for reelection.

McNeel was elected to the seat in a special election in February.

He will face Republican challenger Eugene Allison of Upson County, who lists his occupation as retired.

The winner of the Republican primary will advance to the general election.

Georgia Senate District 20

In Georgia Senate District 20, Republican incumbent Larry Walker III of Houston County has qualified for reelection.

Walker lists his occupation as an insurance agent.

He is currently unopposed.

Georgia Senate District 25

In Georgia Senate District 25, Republican incumbent Ricky Williams of Baldwin County has qualified for reelection.

Williams lists his occupation as a funeral director.

He is currently unopposed.

Georgia Senate District 26

In Georgia Senate District 26, Democratic incumbent David Lucas of Bibb County has qualified for reelection.

Two Republicans have qualified for the race:

• Nancy Hicks of Bibb County, who lists her occupation as retired

• Tracy Conkle Wheeler of Hancock County, who lists her occupation as an entrepreneur

The Republican primary winner will face Lucas in the general election.

What happens next

Voters will decide party nominees during the May 19 primary election.

The winners will advance to the November general election, when voters across Middle Georgia will choose who represents them in the Georgia State Senate.

More election coverage from 41NBC News

Candidates qualify for Georgia primary races statewide
Congressional races affecting Middle Georgia voters
Georgia House races affecting Middle Georgia
Georgia Senate races affecting Middle Georgia