Race for Macon’s District 5 has its first candidate. What to know about Andrea Cooke

Andrea Cooke, former development director for Macon Mental Health Matters, announced a bid for the now-vacant District 5 commissioner seat during a press conference Tuesday morning.

The seat opened up after former District 5 Commissioner and Macon-Bibb Mayor Pro Tempore Seth Clark announced his resignation on Jan. 5 to run for lieutenant governor. Clark attended Monday’s press conference and endorsed Cooke, praising her past work in Macon.

Cooke is the first person to announce her candidacy for the seat, which will need to be filled through a special election, according to the Macon-Bibb County charter.

Cooke is a longtime resident of District 5 — which covers Ingleside, Vineville and Payne — and a mental health advocate. She has already been involved with the Macon-Bibb County Board of Commissioners for a number of years, working with the county government through Macon Mental Health Matters to create initiatives to improve health and outcomes across the county.

“I have lived in District 5 for nearly 35 years. This community raised me, shaped me and taught me the value of showing up for one another,” Cooke said. “I am running because I believe our district deserves leadership that listens, collaborates and delivers results without losing sight of the human impact of every decision.”

If elected commissioner, Cooke said she plans to focus on expanding affordable housing and improving access to health care, moves she says will help alleviate other issues in the community, such as crime and violence.

“Our community has experienced a lot of divestment,” Cooke said. “Creating more opportunities, advocating for people to have more access (to services and jobs), it’s really important.”

During her announcement, Cooke was joined by various community leaders, including pastor and housing advocate Jake Hall, Macon Pride Board President Scott Mitchell and District 6 Commissioner Raymond Wilder.

A date for the election has not yet been determined.

This story was originally published January 13, 2026 at 12:27 PM.