Woods, Longgrear Trade Attacks in Heated Georgia Schools Chief Runoff Debate
Two Republicans trade sharp attacks over campaign funding and academic performance as they battle for Georgia’s top education post in heated runoff debate.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA — The two Republicans vying for Georgia’s top education post traded sharp attacks over funding sources and academic performance during a heated debate Monday, with less than three weeks until their June 16 runoff election.
State Superintendent Richard Woods, seeking his fourth term, accused challenger Bubba Longgrear of relying on “dark money” to fuel his campaign during the Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young Debate Series. Longgrear, who serves as Candler County Superintendent, fired back with criticism of Woods’ leadership on literacy rates.
The winner of the Republican runoff will face Democratic nominee Lydia Powell in the November general election.
Woods Questions Opponent’s Funding Sources
Woods targeted Longgrear’s campaign financing, specifically highlighting nearly $1 million in support from outside groups. “The reality is, I’m endorsed and have been endorsed by the people of Georgia, the educators of Georgia,” Woods said during the debate. “What he won’t talk about is the $1 million of dark money that is propping up his campaign.”
Longgrear told the Georgia Recorder he doesn’t know where the “dark money” Woods referenced was coming from, but said his funding success reflects Georgians’ concerns with the state’s education system. The candidate has received approximately $900,000 in funding from Conservatives For Strong Schools, a Georgia political action committee focused on education issues.
Incumbent Faces GOP Opposition
Woods narrowly avoided an outright victory in last month’s five-way Republican primary, falling just 1,000 votes short of the majority needed to skip a runoff. Despite his incumbent status, several Georgia GOP leaders have endorsed Longgrear and called for new leadership in the state education department.
The current superintendent has faced sharp criticism from state lawmakers over persistently low literacy rates in Georgia public schools. Critics have pointed to Candler County’s below-average literacy performance under Longgrear’s leadership as evidence he may not be the solution.
Woods Defends Record
During the debate, Woods highlighted what he considers his key accomplishments, including eliminating Common Core standards, raising graduation rates and literacy scores, and expanding opportunities for personal finance and fine arts education. He positioned these achievements as evidence he deserves another term leading the state’s education system.
The heated exchange reflects the high stakes of the race, as Georgia continues to grapple with educational challenges including reading proficiency and academic achievement gaps. Both candidates are positioning themselves as the best choice to address these ongoing issues.
Early voting for the June 16 runoff is expected to begin in the coming days, giving voters across Georgia the opportunity to choose their party’s nominee for the November general election.
