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Dudley Today
By the People, for the People
Election field set as qualifying ends
Laurens County voters to decide on commissioners, school board, and city council in upcoming primary
Published on Mar. 9, 2026
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Qualifying ended on Friday, setting the field for the upcoming May primary election in Laurens County, Georgia. Several incumbent county commissioners and a school board member will run unopposed, while other races will see contested primaries between Democratic and Republican candidates.
Why it matters
The primary election will determine the leadership for Laurens County government and schools for the next four years. Voters will have a chance to choose their representatives on the county commission, school board, and city council, shaping the direction of the community.
The details
In the county commissioner races, incumbent Brenda Chain will face challenger Carolyn McCune in the Democratic primary for District 1, while incumbents Kevin Tanner (District 5) and Jimmy Rogers (District 4) will run unopposed. For the Laurens County School Board, Jennifer 'J.' Stone will be the new face, replacing the retiring Kathy Sweat, while Kevin Malone will return for a third term. The city of Dudley will also have a contested race to fill a vacant council seat between Jennifer 'Jenny' Taylor and Jay Powell.
- Qualifying ended at noon on Friday, March 6, 2026.
- The primary election will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
- Early voting will take place from April 27 to May 15, 2026, with two Saturday voting days on May 2 and May 9.
- If runoffs are needed, they will be held on June 16, 2026.
The players
Brenda Chain
Incumbent Laurens County Commissioner for District 1, running for re-election in the Democratic primary.
Carolyn McCune
Challenger for the Laurens County Commissioner District 1 seat, running against the incumbent Brenda Chain in the Democratic primary.
Kevin Tanner
Incumbent Laurens County Commissioner for District 5, running unopposed for his third term.
Jimmy Rogers
Incumbent Laurens County Commissioner for District 4, running unopposed for his third term.
Jennifer 'J.' Stone
New face on the Laurens County School Board, running unopposed to replace the retiring Kathy Sweat.
Kevin Malone
Incumbent Laurens County School Board member for District 4, running unopposed for a third term.
Jennifer 'Jenny' Taylor
Candidate for the vacant city council seat in Dudley, Georgia.
Jay Powell
Candidate for the vacant city council seat in Dudley, Georgia.
What they’re saying
“I think I can facilitate the growth and progress a little bit better and better fit the needs of District 1 and the community.”
— Carolyn McCune, Challenger for Laurens County Commissioner District 1 (courierheraldtoday.com)
“I feel good about qualifying and running this race. I feel like I've done a good job, but my job is not over. I am dependable, and I think the community knows what they will get if they vote me in for another term. I feel like I have experience, and I have been so successful as being a commissioner.”
— Brenda Chain, Incumbent Laurens County Commissioner District 1 (courierheraldtoday.com)
“I'm just overwhelmed that everybody has given me this chance. I'm glad they are pleased in what we are doing for us not to have any opposition. Being a commissioner is tough sometimes, but we try to keep those taxes down. That's our main goal. When I first went in, my main goal was the taxes and county employees. I think we have good quality people in every department, and we work good with our constitutional officers.”
— Kevin Tanner, Incumbent Laurens County Commissioner District 5 (courierheraldtoday.com)
“I am very humbled, blessed and thankful. I have had the opportunity to not have somebody run against me and the chance to go back in for another four years to serve the people of District 4 and Laurens County. God has put me there for a reason, and I am very blessed to serve.”
— Jimmy Rogers, Incumbent Laurens County Commissioner District 4 (courierheraldtoday.com)
“I had been thinking about getting involved and running for a little while. One of our council members resigned and I didn't have to think about it very long. It was just a good opportunity to go ahead and get involved. We have gone to church at Dudley Baptist for 15 years and we love the community and love the neighbors.”
— Jennifer 'Jenny' Taylor, Candidate for Dudley City Council (courierheraldtoday.com)
What’s next
The primary election will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. If runoffs are needed, they will take place on June 16, 2026.
The takeaway
This election will shape the leadership of Laurens County for the next four years, with voters having a say on the county commission, school board, and city council. The lack of opposition in some races suggests general satisfaction with the incumbent officials, while contested primaries will give voters a choice in shaping the future direction of the community.
