In addition to the US Presidential election, there are multiple local races on the ballot for the November 5 general election including US House District 12; State Senate District 4; State House Districts 158, 159, and 160; District Attorney for the Ogeechee Judicial Circuit; Bulloch Solicitor General; Bulloch Clerk of Superior Court; Bulloch Sheriff; Bulloch Tax Commissioner; Bulloch Surveyor; Bulloch Coroner; Bulloch County Commission Chair; Bulloch County Commission Seats 1A, 2A, and 2C. However, most of these were decided in the primary elections. Even though they will appear on the ballot only a few are contested.
The Grice Connect team has reached out to each candidate over this election season and has compiled introductions to each candidate so you can learn more about them.
The Bulloch County contested local races include:
- Bulloch County Coroner: Chuck Francis (R) vs. Craig R. Tremble (D)
- Bulloch County Commission Seat 1A: R. Ryan Brannen (R) vs. Ray Edwin Mosley (D)
- Bulloch County Commission Seat 2C: Nick G. Newkirk (R) vs. Leonard "Len" Fatica (D)
Those who live in Statesboro City Council District 1 will also elect one of the following to City Council:
- John Grotheer
- Ken Jackson
- Tangie Johnson
See biography information for all candidates below, and view our VOTER GUIDE here.
Bulloch County Coroner
Chuck Francis (R)
BIO: My name is Chuck Francis. I am the youngest son of John and Cora Francis. I was born and raised in Bulloch county and have lived here for all but a year and half for my fifty three years. I started my public service as a volunteer firefighter in my early twenties. I then became an EMT followed by completing my LPN diploma. I worked at Bulloch Memorial hospital while I studied Paramedic Technology and finished my core classes at Georgia Southern. I worked as a Paramedic while I completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. As I continued my career in healthcare, I became a Deputy Coroner. I have been with the office for twenty two years my experience in healthcare and with the Coroner’s office has afforded me the opportunity to serve the citizens of Bulloch county. I feel that it is an honor and privilege to do so.
PRIORITIES: If elected, I plan to continue to serve the citizens of Bulloch county. I will pull from my years of medical experience to provide the citizens with the care and compassion that they deserve. I Will competently uphold the laws concerning death investigation and use my knowledge and experience as well as all of the resources available to determine the cause and manor of death.
Craig Tremble (D)
BIO: I am a proud Statesboro, Bulloch County native. I am a 1987 graduate of Southeast Bulloch High School, Brooklet, GA. I am also a 1991 graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Services in Atlanta, GA, receiving a degree in Funeral Services. I received my license as Funeral Director and Embalmer that same year. I received a certificate in Theology from Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA on May 11, 2012. I also received my associate degree in biblical studies from Guido Bible Institute in Metter, GA on August 22, 2015. I received my B.S. degree in Biblical Studies from Guido Bible College in Metter, GA on August 18, 2018. I am also a Partner with Creflo Dollar Ministries of College Park, GA. I presently serve as Pastor of Second Saint John Missionary Baptist Church, where I have been pasturing faithfully for the last 28 years.
I have diligently served as Deputy Coroner for 27 years. For the past 23 years, I served as Chief Deputy Coroner under the leadership of former Coroner Jake A. Futch.
I enjoy working for community-focused organizations and building strategic alliances with public and private organizations. My affiliations are with the Georgia Funeral Service Practitioners Association, where I served as Chaplain, Georgia Funeral Directors Association, former Chairman of the First District of the Georgia Funeral Service Practitioners Association, Inc. (GFSPA), a member of Georgia Funeral Directors Association, Georgia Coroners Association. I served Statesboro-Bulloch Parks and Recreation Department as a recreation advisory committee member, Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Funeral Service program at Ogeechee Technical College. I also serve as Chaplain for the Statesboro police Department and Georgia’s Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security, and Deputy Coroner with the Bulloch County Coroner’s Office. I am a member of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Bulloch County Branch and Bryan County Branch of NAACP, Statesboro Ministerial Association, Brotherhood Community Fishing Auxiliary, Academy of Graduate Embalmers of Georgia, Inc., Kiwanis Club of Statesboro, 100 Black Men of Funeral Service, Epsilon Nu Delta Mortuary Fraternity, Alpha Omega Chapter. I am a member of the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. I am a 2016 Dean’s Day Awards Recipient for Community Service. I was appointed Deputy Coroner on October 1, 1997 by Coroner Barry Turner.
I have served as Deputy Coroner for 27 years. For the past 23 years, I served as Chief Deputy Coroner under the leadership of former Coroner Jake A. Futch.
PRIORITIES: If elected as the next Bulloch County Coroner, I will continue to diligently serve the citizens of Bulloch County and move the office forward with experience, compassion and care.
My priorities for this office is to be open and transparent with all citizens; assuring them that I am working on their behalf to find the cause of death for their loved one. My goal is to help bring awareness to the community about gun violence and the affects of fentanyl abuse. Under my leadership, as Coroner of Bulloch County, I will be an advocate for the community and educate citizens on many issues.
Bulloch County Commission Seat 1A
Ryan Brannen (R)
BIO: My name is Ryan Brannen. I'm running for County Commission seat 1-A. I'm a lifelong 5th generation farmer here in Bulloch county. My family and previous generations have lived in my district their whole lives. Ive served on local school boards. I am a member at First Baptist Statesboro serving on the safety team. I've farmed and ran other businesses since I was in high school. I feel like I have the common sense experience needed to put our citizens of our beautiful county first. Transparency and communication are key attributes that are important in the office I am seeking. Please, I would like to earn your vote. Thank you!
PRIORITIES: Upon election my priorities are simple. I want to figure out how we can minimize our tax rate hikes and still have businesses come to our beautiful county. Folks can't keep living on fixed incomes with inflation at an all time high and keep getting an increase in tax bills. I want to also figure out a plan moving forward to conserve our beautiful farmland. We like to praise farmers and our love for agriculture but then turn around and don't bat an eye at its demise. It's the elephant in the room. We also need to reevaluate our abatements for businesses moving in. We have a business environment rich county. They will come. That is just a few that are big but I hope to earn your vote and dive off head first into helping our county succeed. There are many candidates that are more than qualified to lead this county that are running against the incumbents. Thank you again and get out and vote!
Ray Edwin Mosley (D)
BIO: Ray Mosley was born and raised in Bulloch County and attended the public schools of Bulloch County.He has spent more than 47 years in the manufacturing industry and retired August 31, 2024 from Brodie International (Brodie Meter LLC) as Manufacturing Manager.
Mosley is married to Odean Mosley and they have three children and four grandchildren. He and his family attend Banks Creek Primitive Baptist Church where he serves as the Chairman of the Deacon Ministry. His personal mission statement is to “live and work in a manner that will impact those around him in a positive way.”
Mosley was elected to serve as a Bulloch County Commissioner in 2012. Prior to being elected in 2012, Commissioner Mosley was appointed by Bulloch County’s Superior Court Judges in 2004 to serve six months of an unexpired term of Commissioner Gordon Alston who passed away February 29, 2004. He was later appointed to fill the unexpired term of Commissioner George Jackson March 16, 2010 by Bulloch County’s Superior Court Judges.
PRIORITIES: Ray Mosley is committed to ensuring that our law enforcement, fire department, and EMS teams have the resources they need to keep Bulloch County safe. As the county has grown, so have the demands on our first responders. Under Ray's leadership, the county has increased personnel and acquired the necessary equipment to meet these challenges head-on.
Ray Mosley is dedicated to improving Bulloch County’s roads and bridges, ensuring safe and reliable transportation for all residents. With nearly 700 miles of unpaved roads, the challenge is substantial, but progress is being made, even with the high cost of $450,000 per mile to pave dirt roads.
Ray Mosley believes that successful economic development in Bulloch County requires strong partnerships working together for the good of all citizens. Collaboration between the county, the City of Statesboro, the Bulloch County Development Authority (BCDA), Georgia Southern University, Ogeechee Technical College (OTC), and the Board of Education (BOE) has been instrumental in driving job growth and creating new opportunities in the region.
Ray understands the importance of job creation, especially given that Bulloch County’s poverty rate hovers between 20 and 22 percent. By fostering economic growth and attracting new businesses, these collective efforts are helping to lift families out of poverty and create a brighter future for all.
Bulloch County Commission Seat 2C
Nick Newkirk (R)
BIO: Nick Newkirk, a graduate of Effingham High in 1998 and Southern Tech in Marietta in 2002 with a degree in Construction Management, has over a decade of experience in utility contracting and land development. He opened Crazy Nick's Inflatables in 2009 and has several other small businesses. He and his wife, April, have been married for 20 years, they have four sons (17, 15, 9, and 4). Newkirk has served extensively in children's ministry and scouting, he volunteered for hurricane relief efforts, including Hurricane Ian in Florida, and coached various youth sports teams. He and his family have been in Bulloch County for over 20 years.
PRIORITIES: Newkirk advocates for lowering taxes without relying on increasing the tax digest. He believes a thorough review of each department is necessary to identify areas for potential budget reductions. Living within our means is essential, prioritizing spending based on necessities. Distinguishing between critical projects and those that can be deferred is vital. Simply raising taxes and increasing spending is not a sustainable solution in the long run.
Improving our road infrastructure is a priority for our county. Our current roads struggle to accommodate existing traffic, let alone the increasing volume we can expect with new developments and industry. Many major roads are prone to flooding during heavy rain, leading to dangerous driving conditions. Bulloch County's identity is deeply rooted in its farming heritage. Newkirk believes that preserving that heritage is crucial. He believes that we must actively support farmers to prevent the escalating costs and taxes of farmland from forcing them to sell. Our focus should be on maintaining active agriculture, safeguarding against the conversion of farmland into subdivisions and warehouses. We need to keep tractors in the fields.
Len Fatica (D)
- Gannon University - Business and Leadership Development
- Retired Director of Public Safety for Lucent Technologies
- Vice Chair of Planning and Zoning for City of Statesboro & Etna Township in Ohio
- Vice Chair of New Business Development for Etna Township, Ohio
Community Service has been a key part of my life serving in the following capacities:
- Chairman American Red Cross Erie County and NW PA Disaster chair, Served as a Disaster team member on a number of nationwide natural disasters.
- President of the Kiwanis Club of Erie, PA, Member of the Statesboro Kiwanis Club
- President of the Rotary Club in Reynoldsburg, OH and Secretary of Downtown Rotary Club of Statesboro
- Board Member of Habitat of Humanity Statesboro.
PRIORITIES: We are going to grow as a county very rapidly. We need to handle the growth in a professional matter and with a plan in place. We need the discipline to stick to the plan, and not vary from it without good cause. As we grow we have to remember that agriculture is a key business to this county and it needs to be preserved.
Growth will also put pressure on public safety so we need a pin point plan on how to meet that needs for the citizens of the county. It does not serve the citizens to have a long waiting period for EMS, police or fire. So it makes sense to have strategic locations for these services around the county. I thank you for your continued support of the community.
Statesboro City Council District 1
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John Grotheer
John Grotheer, who is retired, has a background that includes working 20 years with City and County government as a City Clerk, Department Head of Administration, Finance Director, and Interim County Administrator.
His experience includes financial administration, customer service, and working with citizens and business leaders in the community, as well as local and state governmental officials at various agencies. He says this speaks to his belief in the importance of collaboration among local officials to establish priorities and set goals for the betterment of the community.
He is married to Dr. Diane Drew-Grotheer.
Grotheer says he would be honored to serve as City Council Member District 1 and if given the opportunity, will give the public his commitment to listen and be their voice as we all work together to plan for a better future, preserve the character and charm of our beautiful City, and maintain the quality of life in our great City of Statesboro.
Kenneth (Ken) Jackson
Ken Jackson, a proud Metter, Georgia native, graduated from Metter High School in 2001. He furthered his education by earning an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from East Georgia College. Since 2006, Ken has called Bulloch County home, and for the last five years, he has been a resident of the City of Statesboro.
Ken's passion for business is evident through his ownership of Leap Joy Inflatables, a popular business in downtown Statesboro that has been bringing joy to children since 2007. Additionally, he is a licensed Realtor with Remax Preferred, also located in downtown Statesboro.
Ken is dedicated to using his business acumen to foster community growth and prosperity. His commitment to the community is also reflected in his charitable work. He is currently participating in Dancing With the Statesboro Stars, an event that supports local domestic violence program. Ken has also been actively involved in the Exchange Club and contributes to Fostering Bulloch, an organization that aids foster children in the area.
Tangie Reese Johnson
Tangie Reese Johnson currently serves as the Coordinator for Records and Compliance in the Office of Human Resources at Georgia Southern University. In this role, she ensures that the university’s records and compliance practices meet the highest standards.
From 2010 to 2017, she was a police officer, which she says demonstrates her unwavering commitment to public safety and community well-being.
Active in her faith community, Johnson is a member of the United Fellowship Worship Center, and she is co-chair of the Statesboro Housing Authority, where she works to improve local housing conditions and foster community development.
She is married to to Chadwick Johnson and is a loving mother of three.
Johnson says her life is a testament to her values of service, encouragement, and motivation. She believes her willingness to help others and her role as a community-oriented advocate make her a cherished asset to both her local community and her professional environment.
