Macon sets date for special election to fill empty commissioner seat

A special election to fill the vacant Macon-Bibb County District 5 commissioner seat is set for March 17, according to Macon-Bibb County Board of Elections Supervisor Tom Gillon.

The district includes the areas of Vineville, Ingleside and Payne.

Early voting will take place from Feb. 23 to March 13, and those wanting the run for the seat should file paperwork between Feb. 11 and Feb. 13, Gillon said.

The seat came open after former District 5 Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tempore Seth Clark announced his resignation on Jan. 5 to run for Georgia lieutenant governor as a Democrat.

Clark held the seat since 2021, and was elected to a second term in 2024.

Two candidates have already announced campaigns to replace Clark.

Andrea Cooke, a mental health advocate and longtime resident of the district, announced her bid for the seat on Jan. 13. Clark endorsed Cooke, praising her work through Macon Mental Health Matters to improve outcomes in the community.

Edward C. Foster, a local community advocate, announced his intention to run for the seat in a Monday press release.