ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Three candidates are competing to represent Georgia’s Senate District 12 following the resignation of longtime State Sen. Freddie Powell Sims, who stepped down earlier this year due to her husband’s illness.

The race features Camilla City Councilmember Corey Morgan, Albany firefighter and community leader Tracy Taylor, and Edward Brown, who has received Sims’ endorsement.

Candidate priorities

Corey Morgan, a two-term elected official in Camilla, said his experience in local government and time working with the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus sets him apart. His campaign focuses on affordability, including lowering utility costs and expanding access to workforce housing.

He also points to healthcare access as a major issue in Southwest Georgia.

“Residents are traveling out of state just to receive care,” Morgan said. “We have to expand clinics and telehealth options in this region.”

Tracy Taylor, a firefighter with the Albany Fire Department and president of the Dougherty County NAACP, says workforce development is his top priority. He is advocating for increased state investment in local colleges to address a projected nursing shortage.

He also emphasizes job creation, particularly bringing more manufacturing opportunities to District 12.

“Our district deserves the same economic opportunities as others across the state,” Taylor said.

Brown, who has experience in local government, is campaigning on expanding economic opportunity across rural communities. According to his campaign, his priorities include improving access to healthcare, increasing affordable housing options, supporting local agriculture, and strengthening education systems in underserved areas.

Freddie Powell Sims endorsement

Edward Brown has garnered attention after receiving the endorsement of the former state senator, who said she believes he is prepared to continue serving the district, according to the Albany Herald.

WALB reached out to Brown for an interview, but we have not been able to schedule a time with him yet. Review his stances at his official campaign website here.

Candidate histories

Both Morgan and Taylor faced questions tied to their political histories.

Morgan has previously addressed concerns about trust stemming from his time serving on the Camilla City Council. He pointed to his re-election as evidence of community confidence.

“When I was re-elected in 2023, I received 79% of the vote,” Morgan said. “That shows me that that community had all the trust in me, and I promise to continue to deliver, listen first to our community members, and give them tangible, real solutions that they can fill.”

Taylor, who has run for multiple offices across party lines, said his repeated campaigns reflect a commitment to serve wherever he’s needed most.

“I genuinely have love for this community and for this district,” Taylor said. “So, wherever the people feel comfortable, where I need to be serving best at, to providing them with a tremendous service... I’m a force to be reckoned with.”

What’s next

District 12 spans 13 counties across Southwest Georgia, making it one of the larger and more rural districts in the state. Candidates say key issues include economic development, healthcare access, and voter engagement in underserved communities.

With early voting approaching, the race to replace Sims is expected to draw increased attention as voters decide who will represent the region at the State Capitol.

Early voting begins April 27. Election Day is May 19.

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