Shirley Latimore Runs for County Commissioner District 2

Experienced educator and community leader seeks to bring transparency and accountability to the Sumter County Board of Commissioners

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:07am

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Dr. Shirley Latimore, a longtime Sumter County resident and experienced educator, has announced her candidacy for the District 2 seat on the Sumter County Board of Commissioners. Latimore, who has a background in teaching, administration, and community service, cites the need for a strong leadership voice that is committed, transparent, and experienced on the board.

Why it matters

Latimore's campaign aims to address key issues facing Sumter County, including deteriorating properties, affordable housing challenges, and a lack of transparency around matters like the E911 system and property taxes. As an established community leader, Latimore hopes to unify concerned citizens behind her vision for the county's future.

The details

Latimore has over 35 years of experience as an educator, serving as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, literacy coach, and more. She has also been active in local government, chairing the Sumter County Board of Elections and helping to manage the 2023 municipal election after the previous supervisor abruptly departed. Latimore has a history of community service, including organizing food distribution efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic and serving on the boards of organizations like Sumter County Hospice and Flint River Girl Scouts.

  • Latimore recently announced her candidacy for the Sumter County Board of Commissioners District 2 seat.
  • The election for the District 2 seat will be held in November 2026.

The players

Shirley Latimore

A longtime Sumter County resident and experienced educator who is running for the District 2 seat on the Sumter County Board of Commissioners. Latimore has a doctoral degree and over 35 years of experience as a teacher, administrator, and community leader.

Sumter County Board of Commissioners

The governing body of Sumter County, Georgia, responsible for overseeing local government operations and policies.

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What they’re saying

“Latimore says her campaign fills a clear and urgent need for a Leadership Voice that is Committed, Consistent, Transparent, and Experienced on the Board of Commissioners (BOC). She intends to put front and center, issues that threaten our communities, opportunities, and way of life.”

— Shirley Latimore, Candidate for Sumter County Commissioner District 2

“Dr. Latimore will work with all leaders to help eliminate deteriorating and abandoned properties that negatively impact District 2 and our community's safety; be an advocate for affordable housing which is vital for economic development; and organize key resources to improve crisis response.”

— Shirley Latimore, Candidate for Sumter County Commissioner District 2

What’s next

The election for the Sumter County Board of Commissioners District 2 seat will be held in November 2026. Latimore's campaign will continue to engage with voters in the district to share her vision and priorities.

The takeaway

Latimore's campaign represents an opportunity for Sumter County residents to elect an experienced, community-focused leader to the Board of Commissioners, with a focus on addressing key issues like deteriorating properties, affordable housing, and government transparency.