ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Republican candidate Randell Trammell is casting himself as a fresh voice in Georgia’s race for state superintendent, making school choice the centerpiece of his campaign.

Trammell said supporting school choice does not mean abandoning public schools, but instead, expanding options for parents to include private, magnet or charter schools.

“I am 100% for our public schools. I want to make sure that school at 123 Main Street, down the street from your house, is so excellent that it is the choice,” Trammell said.

The issue comes as Georgia launches the Promise Scholarship program, which allows families to use state funds for private school tuition. Nearly 30% of applicants did not receive scholarships in the program’s first year. Critics argue it diverts resources away from public schools.

“Choice is something that our parents want and need across our state,” Trammell said.

Trammell founded the Georgia Center for Civic Engagement, a nonprofit that promotes student leadership and civic education. He said his passion for education is rooted in his own family life. His wife teaches in Bartow County, and their three children all attend elementary school.

“The urgency is that we don’t get a second chance on K-12 education,” Trammell said.

The longtime incumbent, Republican Richard Woods, is running for reelection after more than a decade in office. Trammell criticized Woods, saying, “Sometimes after a while, people get complacent in their job.”

Trammell also pledged to serve no more than three terms, saying he wants to make a sharp impact, then step aside.

The race is already crowded. Along with Woods and Trammell, candidates include Mesha Mainor, a former Democratic state lawmaker who switched parties over her support for school choice; Fred “Bubba” Longgrear, superintendent in Candler County and businesswoman Nelva Lee. So far, no Democrat has entered the race.

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