By Becky Holland
Those vying for the Georgia House of Representatives District 133 seat, Danny Mathis and Robert Pruitt, were in attendance, along with candidates for the Bleckley County Board of Education.
Candidates for several local races gathered Monday evening at the Cochran City Auditorium for a “Meet the Candidate” event hosted by the Cochran-Bleckley County Chamber of Commerce.
Bleckley Board of Education candidates in attendance included Heather McDaniel (District 1), Philip Lester (District 2), Brandon Keel (District 3), and Chad Brown and Jainie Frazier-Cahill (District 4).
Notably absent from the event were Shanna Evans, the incumbent, and Kandace Lucas, both of whom are vying for the District 5 seat on the Bleckley County Board of Education.
The evening began with a meet-and-greet at 5 p.m., followed by a candidate forum at 6 p.m.
Being the only candidates present with opposition, Chad Brown, Jainie Frazier-Cahill, Robert Pruitt and Danny Mathis participated in the forum. Questions had been submitted by constituents prior to the event.
Brown and Frazier-Cahill, both new to the political arena, were the first to take part in the forum.
They addressed a range of topics, including the possibility of live-streaming Bleckley Board of Education meetings, the role of technology in the classroom and policies regarding out-of-county students. Both candidates addressed questions on several topics important to voters, with varying levels of detail in their responses.
Mathis and Pruitt followed, responding to questions on a range of state-level issues, including how voting-related decisions are made, campaign contributions and the topic of solar farms.
The exchange between Pruitt and Mathis was at times pointed and occasionally heated, though both candidates continued to address the questions presented.
Pruitt at times pressed Mathis on his voting record, raising questions about key issues and noting his role in committee leadership. He also referenced a past presentation by Mathis related to proposed legislation, questioning the level of preparation involved.
Mathis responded to each line of questioning, defending his record and emphasizing his accessibility to constituents. He told those in attendance that when residents call needing help, he makes it a priority to respond and assist.
The event provided an opportunity for community members to hear directly from candidates and engage in the local election process.
One week left! 🗳️ The deadline to register to vote in the May 19, 2026 General Primary/Nonpartisan Election is next Monday, April 20, 2026.
Make sure you’re ready for Election Day. Check your registration status or register to vote through Georgia’s My Voter Page: https://mvp.sos.ga.gov.
Photos by The Ledger
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