Meet the GA House of Representatives District 147 candidates – Stephen Baughier

Stephen Baughier believes that if one is able to serve, then it is their duty to do so, and that is why he is running for Georgia House of Representatives seat/district 147.

Earlier in March Baughier qualified as a Democratic candidate for the seat. He faces no challengers in his party for the June 9 General Primary Elections, Nonpartisan General Election, and Special Elections, but will be running against either incumbent Heath Clark (R-147) or Republican candidate Miranda Britt for the November 3 General Election.

Baughier and his family moved to Warner Robins when he was two years old. His father served in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Robins Air Force Base. Baughier graduated from Warner Robins High School and after graduation, served in the United States Navy. After his service in the Navy, Baughier earned an accounting degree from Georgia College and State University (GCSU). Later on, he joined the Air Force Reserves and served six years at Robins Air Force Base.

After joining the reserves, he earned his masters degree in accounting from GCSU, and furthered his career in both public and corporate accounting. Currently, Baughier is self-employed and runs a series of personal finance camps across the country.

“I believe if you are able to serve, then it is your duty to serve,” Baughier said. “I’ve done that throughout my life up to now with military, coaching little league when my son played, and volunteering by teaching math to students earning their GED. Running for this seat is just a continuation of that, a passion and duty to serve. I want every Georgian to have access to opportunities that have allowed me to do these types of things and be successful. We need to work together to build a community that is increasingly healthy and wealthy. We haven’t been heading in that direction in the way we should, in my opinion.”

There are several matters that Baughier said he wants to focus on if elected in November; the first matter being expanding Medicaid in Georgia.

“It’s past time,” Baughier said. “It’s an investment in health and financial security. We also need to make a stronger commitment to public education that will help build Houston County into the regional hub with the 21st century work force where everyone can get a good paying job. That means increased K-12 funding, and expansion of technical college and career training programs as well as assistance for displaced workers pushed out by the changing economy.”

Baughier said he feels everyone should get out and vote because it’s a duty to speak up and shape the government.

“The government should be a direct reflection of its people,” Baughier said. “That doesn’t happen unless you get out and vote. I hope the pandemic that’s going on doesn’t discourage people, because you can still have your voice heard through absentee ballot. Please do your research with the candidates, and I would appreciate everyone’s support and vote. I want to be a direct and accountable line of communication and representation between here and Atlanta. There are a lot of changes to be made in the upcoming years, and we need to have the right people in place. I believe I can be that person.”

Baughier said he will be launching soon a campaign website, www.stephenforgeorgia.com, for citizens to get to know him more and keep up with his campaign.

The voter registration deadline for the June 9, 2020 election will be May 11, 2020. Early voting will begin on May 18, 2020. Pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 21-2-501, moving the primary election to June 9, 2020 will move the primary runoff to August 11, 2020. Pushing back the primary to June 9 gives Georgia election officials additional time to put in place contingency plans to allow for safe and secure voting, but pushing back the primary election any further could potentially have negative consequences on preparation for the November 3, 2020 General Election.

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