Qualifying Week Brings Challengers for Dougherty County Elected Offices

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After a week of qualifying for the 2026 election at the local level in Dougherty County, Georgia, several competitive races have emerged, including a Democratic primary contest between incumbent Dougherty County Commission Chairman Lorenzo Heard and former Albany City Commissioner Henry Mathis. The winner of the May 19 primary will earn a four-year term as chairman, as there is no Republican candidate in the race. Other contested races include Commission District 4, District 6, and several Dougherty County School Board seats.

Why it matters

The 2026 election cycle in Dougherty County will see a number of key local offices up for grabs, with several incumbent officials facing primary challenges. The outcome of these races could have significant impacts on the county's leadership and policy direction in the coming years.

The details

In the race for Dougherty County Commission Chairman, incumbent Lorenzo Heard is being challenged by former Albany City Commissioner Henry Mathis in the Democratic primary. The winner will earn a four-year term, as there is no Republican candidate. In Commission District 4, Democrats Anthony Patterson and Al Wynn are vying to face incumbent Republican Russell Gray in the general election. District 6 Commissioner Anthony Jones also faces a primary challenge from former Cuthbert Mayor Willie Martin, with no Republican in the race. Meanwhile, three of the five Dougherty County School Board seats up for election in 2026 will be contested, including a primary challenge to incumbent Melissa Strother in District 4.

• Qualifying week for the 2026 election took place in early March 2026.
• The Democratic primary election is scheduled for May 19, 2026.
• The general election will be held on November 3, 2026.

What’s next

The Democratic primary election will be held on May 19, 2026, with the general election following on November 3, 2026.