Macon commissioner who recently resigned is running for another office. What to know

Former Macon-Bibb County mayor pro tempore and District 5 commissioner, Seth Clark, announced a campaign for lieutenant governor Monday morning, according to a news release.

Clark resigned from his positions within the county government last Tuesday, prompting rumors that he may seek a statewide office during the midterms in November. His announcement confirms those suspicions.

In the release, Clark promised to lower Georgians’ cost of living, increase funding for public schools, expand access to affordable housing and reform Georgia’s tax system to benefit working and middle class families. Clark also emphasized a “compassion-driven” approach to state leadership.

“Too many families are still struggling,” Clark said. “Wages aren’t keeping up. Groceries and power bills rise every month. Health care, child care, housing and college are out of reach for too many people. That’s not the Georgia that raised me, and it’s not the Georgia we have to accept.”

Since being elected in 2021 as district 5 commissioner — which covers Vineville, Ingleside and Payne — Clark has worked with county leadership to place land into permanent conservation and spurring tourism and economic development.

He is also known for advocating for Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park to be elevated to Georgia’s first national park.

The Democratic primary for lieutenant governor is scheduled for May 19, with the general election taking place on Nov. 6.

To win the nomination, Clark will have to beat out state Sen. Josh McLaurin, who represents portions of metro Atlanta in the state legislature. The deadline to file paperwork to run isn’t until March, meaning other Democrats could still declare their intentions to seek Georgia’s second-highest office.