Former Macon official drops out of statewide race for ‘personal circumstances’
A former Macon official who recently resigned to run for Georgia lieutenant governor announced Friday he’s dropping out of the race.
Former Mayor Pro Tempore of Macon-Bibb County Seth Clark said he will suspend his campaign over the next several weeks. He announced his candidacy about one month ago.
“Recently, personal circumstances have shifted in ways that make the year ahead increasingly uncertain,” Clark said. “After careful reflection, I’ve concluded that my most immediate calling is to my family. And as such, I cannot devote the time and focus that a campaign of this scope requires, and that Georgians deserve.”
Clark announced his intention to run for the seat in mid-January. He thanked his supporters, volunteers and staff for assistance after the short campaign.
“I am profoundly thankful to everyone who stepped forward — not simply in support of a candidate, but in service to their neighbors and communities,” Clark said. “That commitment to making people’s lives a little easier, to building a politics rooted in shared responsibility toward one another, is what inspired this campaign in the first place.”
Clark is not allowed to return to his Macon-Bibb County Commission seat because he resigned, according to Chris Floore, the county’s chief communications officer.
This leaves two Democratic candidates in the race: Josh McLaurin and Richard Wright. Seven Republicans also are in the running, according to Ballotpedia.
The position is currently held by Republican Burt Jones.
Georgia’s primary election is May 19, followed by the general on Nov. 3.
Clark was not immediately available for an interview.
This story may be updated as more information becomes available.
This story was originally published February 27, 2026 at 10:45 AM.
