By Rachael Flora

WITH municipal elections in November, this year is set to be full of political action.

Local politics are so much more important to follow than national politics: policies made at the local level have the greatest impact on your daily life, you have a much better chance of contacting your alderman than you do your president, and you have the chance to make your voice heard in town halls and at Council meetings.

We're tracking everyone who's announced their run for city government by checking both Facebook pages and filing paperwork. We're also updating who has qualified per the Clerk of Council's website. We'll update this page frequently. If you have a tip, email us at thesavannahian912@gmail.com to let us know.

August 25, 2023: Calum Crampton for District 4

Calum Crampton filed a DOI and qualified to run for District 4 at the same time on August 25, hours before the deadline closed. Crampton is a longtime Savannah resident and has worked as a truck driver.

City Council Coverage: Calum Crampton for District 4
‘A lot of the solutions are tax and spend: we just throw money at a problem and hope to fix it’
The SavannahianRachael Flora

August 25, 2023: Sara Agüero Jahannes for District 4

Sara Agüero Jahannes filed a DOI and qualified to run for District 4 at the same time on August 25, hours before the deadline closed. Not much is known about Jahannes; we will update when we know more.

August 25, 2023: Tia Brightwell for District 2

Tia Brightwell filed a DOI and qualified to run for District 2 at the same time on August 25, hours before the deadline closed. Brightwell is a Savannah native and an entrepreneur.

City Council Coverage: Tia Z. Brightwell for District 2
‘I’m fighting for the people– because I am the people’
The SavannahianContributor

August 25, 2023: Jason Combs for At-Large Post 1

Jason Combs, president of the Thomas Square Neighborhood Association, filed a DOI and qualified to run for At-Large Post 1 at the same time on August 25, hours before the deadline closed.

City Council Coverage: Jason Combs for At-Large Post 1
For this Post 1 candidate, increasing housing at all levels is the key to the city’s future successes
The SavannahianContributor

August 21, 2023: Taylor Washington for District 2

Taylor Washington filed paperwork to run for District 2 on August 21, the first day of qualifying. Washington is a chef and owns 2 Chefs Southern Cuisine.

She qualified on August 24 at 10:10AM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: Taylor Washington for District 2
‘I know what struggle is. I know how to overcome, and I know how to sustain’
The SavannahianContributor

August 14, 2023: Clinton Young for At-Large Post 1

Clinton Young filed paperwork to run for At-Large Post 1 on August 14. Most recently, Young ran for House District 165 in 2020, ultimately losing to former Savannah Mayor Edna Jackson. Young is the founder and CEO of Young American Vendors and is an Army veteran.

He qualified for his race on August 24 at 4:15PM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: Clinton Young for At-Large Post 1
The current crime rate is priority number one for this candidate on the November ballot
The SavannahianContributor

August 7, 2023: Tony Thomas for At-Large Post 1

Tony Thomas, the controversial former District 6 Alderman, announced he would run for the first At-Large seat in a Facebook post. Thomas had his fair share of drama while holding his seat, but chief among them are the infamous St. Patrick's Day drunk photo and the Troll Chronicles, which accused the alderman of sexual impropriety and possible misuse of funds. After losing to Kurtis Purtee in a runoff in 2019, he was arrested for theft last September.

He qualified for his race on August 25 at 4:02PM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

Tony Thomas did not respond to our requests for an interview.

July 18, 2023: Carol Bell for At-Large Post 1

On July 18, Carol Bell filed paperwork to run for At-Large Post 1. Bell is no stranger to city politics: she formerly held that same seat for two terms beginning in 2011. Kesha Gibson-Carter narrowly defeated her in 2019's election.

She qualified for her race on August 22 at 12:27PM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: Carol Bell for At-Large Post 1
‘I believe that it’s important that each council makes improvements to our community that have not been made’
The SavannahianContributor

June 20, 2023: Tyrisha Davis for Mayor

Tyrisha Davis filed paperwork to run for Mayor on June 20. Not much is known about Tyrisha; we have reached out to her listed email address and will post more when we hear back.

She qualified for her race on August 25 at 3:10PM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: Tyrisha “T.L” Davis for Mayor
‘I am focused on unifying Savannah. That is what it will take to give our city the advantage in today’s competitive global society. I know that we will be stronger together’
The SavannahianContributor

June 19, 2023: Bernetta Lanier for re-election in First District

On June 19, Bernetta Lanier posted on Facebook the details of her reelection announcement, which is June 24 at the Enmarket Arena. Lanier won her election by a landslide in 2019, winning by the largest margin of any challenged opponent that year.

She qualified for her race on August 24 at 4PM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

She did not reply to our requests for an interview.

June 14, 2023: Lisa Jackson Lockhart for Sixth District

On June 14, Lisa Jackson Lockhart filed paperwork to run for the Sixth District. Her LinkedIn page lists her as a counselor at Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools with degrees from Cambridge and Savannah State.

She qualified for her race on August 21 at 10AM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

She did not reply to our requests for an interview.

June 8, 2023: Curtis Antonio Singleton for At-Large, Post 1

Curtis Singleton filed paperwork to run for At-Large 1 on June 8. Not much is known about Curtis in the political sphere; he is listed as the Board President of the Mediation Center of Coastal Georgia, and there he's listed as a community activist, mediator and facilitator.

He qualified for his race on August 24 at 1:30PM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: Curtis Singleton for At-Large Post 1
‘Our city has a reputation for hospitality, welcoming visitors with open arms. Our Council should reflect that.’
The SavannahianContributor

May 25, 2023: Charles Thomas DeCarlo for Sixth District

Charles Thomas "Chase" DeCarlo filed paperwork to run for District 6 on May 25. According to his website, chasedecarlo.com, Chase used to play football for Georgia Southern and is passionate about serving his community. Chase's name also came up in a WTOC story about former District 6 Alderman Tony Thomas, calling him "one of Thomas' young companions."

He qualified for his race on August 21 at 1:35PM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: Chase DeCarlo for District 6
‘I see the Southside as having the most latent potential out of every other district’
The SavannahianRachael Flora

May 20, 2023: Nick Palumbo for re-election in Fourth District

Nick Palumbo announced he would seek reelection for his district at Hull Park.

He qualified for his race on August 23 at 2:10PM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: Nick Palumbo for District 4
‘The crisis that we have that’s looming that everybody already talks about is housing prices. In 2021, our housing deficit in just the City limits was 10,000 units.’
The SavannahianContributor

April 12, 2023: Tammy D. Stone for Third District

Tammy D. Stone filed paperwork to run for District 3 on April 12. Tammy is best known for her Facebook Lives, Tee Time with Tammy, and she also owns Xscape Hair Salon in west Savannah.

She qualified for her race on August 23 at 1:30PM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: Tammy Stone for District 3
‘It used to be a time where people would be outside, taking cakes and plates over to the neighbors’
The SavannahianRachael Flora

April 4, 2023: Alicia Miller Blakely for re-election to At-Large, Post 2

Alicia Miller Blakely announced she'd run to keep her seat as Alderwoman At-Large Post 2 with an announcement near Yamacraw Village.

Alicia Miller-Blakely is part of the minority on Council, flanked by her fellow at-large Alderwoman Kesha Gibson Carter (who's running for Mayor) and District 1 Alderman Bernetta Lanier. She often repeats the phrase "Remember in November" during Council meetings to allude to voting in new leadership.

She qualified for her race on August 25 at 1:30PM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: Alicia Miller Blakely for At-Large Post 2
‘Call me uncivil or whatever the case may be. But it’s like you want us to have decorum and dignity while our stomachs are touching our backs.’
The SavannahianContributor

March 22, 2023: Marc Anthony Smith for At-Large, Post 1

Marc Anthony Smith, who most recently ran for House 163, filed paperwork to run for Post 1 Alderman in March.

He qualified for his race on August 24 at 2:05PM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: Marc Anthony Smith for At-Large Post 1
‘I taught him politics, and he taught me business, and the two mixed together are extraordinary’
The SavannahianContributor

March 22, 2023: Estella Shabazz for re-election in Fifth District

Estella Shabazz announced she'd be running to reclaim her seat in the 5th District in a Facebook video and by launching voteshabazz2023.com.

She qualified for her race on August 21 at 12:34PM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

March 5, 2023: Linda Wilder Bryan for re-election in Third District

Linda Wilder Bryan kicked off her campaign on March 5 with an event at the Pegasus Riding Academy.

She qualified for her race on August 21 at 8:40AM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: Linda Wilder Bryan for District 3
‘I know what I want for me, what the people in this community’
The SavannahianRachael Flora

February 14, 2023: Detric Leggett for re-election in Second District

Detric Leggett, the downtown alderman, announced his run for reelection on Valentine's Day at the Forsyth Park bandshell.

He qualified for his race on August 21 at 8:42AM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

On Sept. 19, Leggett was accused of falsifying his address documents and of living in a home in the third district for years. Leggett denied the claims.

District 2 Alderman Detric Leggett accused of falsifying address documents, living in District 3
The complaint says that Leggett is known to live in the 3rd District, not at either of the 2nd District addresses he has listed publicly
The SavannahianContributor
City Council Coverage: Detric Leggett for District 2
‘I’m glad to say that I represent one of the districts in the newspaper, constantly in movies’
The SavannahianContributor

February 6, 2023: Patrick Rossiter for At-Large, Post 2

Patrick Rossiter, a former educator and school principal, filed paperwork to run for At-Large, Post 2 on Feb. 6. Rossiter's father Frank P. Rossiter Sr. held the same seat when Patrick was younger.

He qualified for his race on August 21 at 1:36PM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: Pat Rossiter for At-Large Post 2
‘The City of Savannah needs to put on the books several regulations to have a happy medium’
The SavannahianContributor

February 4, 2023: Kurtis Purtee for re-election in Sixth District

Alderman Kurtis Purtee announced his reelection campaign at Tribble Park, saying in a Facebook video, "I'm here today to ask for your support in sending me back to City Hall this November so I can continue to serve you as a District Six alderman."

He qualified for his race on August 21 at 8:46AM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: Kurtis Purtee for District 6
‘We’re in a really good spot right now, for the first time in a long time. We’ve got SEDA talking to folks about bringing in some projects. We’re circling back to the Southside Legacy Project, which is sort of a basic road map for the area.’
The SavannahianJim Morekis

February 3, 2023: Todd Rhodes for Third District

Todd Rhodes filed paperwork to run for District Three on Feb. 3. Todd recently ran for School Board President but lost out to Roger Moss.

He qualified for his race on August 22 at 9:21AM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: Todd Rhodes for District 3
‘I want to be a blessing. That motivated me to want to deal with the community’
The SavannahianRachael Flora

February 3, 2023: Roshida Edwards for At-Large, Post 1

On Feb. 3, Roshida Edwards, owner of The Vintage Venue, filed paperwork to run for Alderwoman At-Large, Post 1, which is currently held by Kesha Gibson-Carter who is vacating it to run for Mayor. Roshida has been outspoken about her troubles with the City in opening her venue, and on Dec. 3 her business was raided and searched by police. Edwards formally announced her run at an event on April 1.

Edwards officially qualified on August 23 at 2:23PM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: Roshida Edwards for At-Large Post 1
As a small business owner and a seasoned youth mentor, Edwards brings what she calls ‘Savannah experience’ to the table
The SavannahianContributor

Jan. 29, 2023: Clinton Cowart for Third District

Clinton Cowart, who ran for GA House 165 last year, announced his run for Alderman of the third district on Facebook.

He qualified for his race on August 21 at 8:30AM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: Clinton Cowart for District 3
‘I would like to be able to live here for the rest of my life. This is about survival’
The SavannahianRachael Flora

January 4, 2023: Mike McCann for Sixth District

Mike McCann, a youth sports coach and mentor, renamed his Facebook page "Be the Change, Mike McCann for District 6" in early January, indicating he'd be running.

He qualified for his race on August 25 at 2:16PM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: Mike McCann for District 6
‘When 70 percent of the last two SPLOSTS have gone to some kind of tourism funding, you’ve got your priorities wrong.’
The SavannahianJim Morekis

January 3, 2023: Van Johnson for reelection as Mayor

Mayor Van Johnson announced he would run for reelection at his first weekly press conference in 2023.

He qualified for his race on August 21 at noon, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: Van Johnson for Mayor
‘I think this administration has been able to really enlighten and to make some major, major moves in almost 4 years, two of of which were during a pandemic.’
The SavannahianContributor

October 30, 2022: Robert "RG" Bryant for Fifth District

Robert Bryant, a community activist, announced his run via Facebook post in October.

He qualified for his race on August 22 at 10:50AM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: RG Bryant for District 5
‘What you see in front of you is what I will advocate for behind you’
The SavannahianContributor

June 8, 2022: Kesha Gibson-Carter for Mayor

While she said she'd run for mayor on January 29, 2022, Alderwoman At-Large Post 1 Kesha Gibson-Carter formally announced her bid last June.

She qualified for her race on August 25 at 1:30PM, per the Clerk of Council's website.

City Council Coverage: Kesha Gibson-Carter for Mayor
‘I’m not a politician. I’m a public servant. And so when you have a public servant at the desk, you have a person who can look at things from a different lens. I’m looking first to serve the public. I don’t know how to be a politician. I don’t want to know how to be a politician.’
The SavannahianContributor

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