Gerald Greene re-election campaign brings high-profile supporters to Albany

ALBANY – A few of state Rep. Gerald Greene’s friends, including a former governor and the Georgia Speaker of the House, made a trip to Albany this week to help out in the final push in Greene’s re-election bid.

The dean of the House by dint of being the longest-serving member in the body, Greene, R-Cuthbert, is being challenged by Albany Democrat Harry James, a long-time contractor and former Dougherty County Commission member.

House Speaker Jon Burns, who attended the Tuesday luncheon fundraiser at Doubegate Country Club, said that the incumbent Republican has distinguished himself by service to constituents and bringing home appropriations to House District 154 during his time in office.

“Gerald’s service over the years has been important to Georgia and throughout southwest Georgia,” the speaker said. “His impact is critical in the House to keep Georgia a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

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As the only elected Republican in the House who represents a majority-minority district, Greene, who was first elected in 1982 as a Democrat, has won re-election because of the relationships he has made over the years, Burns said.

“He enjoys support in the community,” the speaker said. “Those friendships, along with his constituent services, are what make him a very special public servant.”

Greene also worked closely with Dawson Democrat Freddie Powell Sims, who is retiring at the end of the year, to bring resources to southwest Georgia, the speaker said.

“He and Fredddie have been friends for a long time,” Burns said. “I will miss her greatly.”

Despite 2026 being a year in which Democrats are looking to have a good election season, Burns said that Republicans in the Peach State feel positive. Burns pointed to work in healthcare, including partnering with Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, and working to improve literacy as two issues for which Republicans have addressed needs.

“We feel good,” Burns said. “We have great candidates like Gerald, great policies. We think our track record speaks to what Georgia needs.”

Former Gov. Sonny Perdue, who is retiring as chancellor of the University System of Georgia, also put in a good word for the incumbent.

“He’s been very effective for a long time,” Perdue said. “It’s important to get people in southwest Georgia to vote.”