Georgia House election: Challenger Thompson eager for rematch against incumbent Stephens
Better jobs and better schools have been a talking point with swing voters throughout Georgia House District 164 candidate Marcus Thompson’s campaign.
The 45-year-old is running to represent a district that covers a portion of Bloomingdale, Garden City, Pooler and Richmond Hill. He said those conversations have helped him realize what Georgians want and how important politics are at the local level.
“I talk a great deal about that,” said Thompson. “But I believe that focusing on Georgians, on the people of Georgia, and not just groups and businesses, that's what really speaks to other people when I go out and canvass with undecided voters.”
Thompson talked a good deal about abortion rights and said "most Americans" are unhappy with Roe v. Wade being overturned. When the ruling came down June 24, Thompson thought about his daughter and how she no longer has control over her reproductive rights.
As he continues to campaign throughout Chatham and Bryan County, he is zeroing in on abortion laws, saying Georgia’s heartbeat bill does not give expecting mothers much leeway.
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“It really affects everybody across the nation,” said Thompson. “With the heartbeat bill already in effect here, we became the center of that. I feel like our message is resonating across party lines.”
It will be an uphill climb to unseat his opponent, Rep. Ron Stephens, who has been a fixture in the Georgia House for nearly 25 years. He prides himself on tax incentives and creating jobs for Georgians. Stephens defeated Thompson two years ago by 1,345 votes, or 52% to 48%.
Despite the 2020 loss, Thompson said he is not doing anything differently this time. He has turned his ear to the community using what he calls "persuasion canvassing" to connect with voters who have views contrary to his own.
“People in Bryan County, whether it be Republicans or Independents or Democrats, they like what I'm trying to do,” said Thompson. “I’m simply trying to have a conversation and so far, it's gone very well.”
Thompson said the 2022 race is different because Georgians are affected by new legislation that was not in place two years ago.
“I think that it is painfully obvious that there is a party that is listening to the loud few and not the silent majority," Thompson said in reference to the GOP. "I truly want to do something better for the people.”
Stephens said an increase of Democrats moving into the district made the race very competitive over the last decade.
“I knew it was going to be close and my campaign consultant told me this is a Democratic seat,” said Stephens. “I was an incumbent, and I represented those folks from the time that I won the seat.”
Stephens replaced Sonny Dixon midway through his term. Dixon left the Georgia General Assembly to become a news anchor for WTOC. Stephensadmitted he always has a few jitters before Election Day and hopes those he represents will not overlook his resume.
“I always run scared,” said Stephens. “The first time I ran scared. You never know how people are going to show up to the poll and and you don't know if the party has stepped on some toes statewide, but I feel okay. If the people on the district that I represent believe that I've done a good job for them, they'll keep me in.
"And if not, I'll get to go home and take care of my grandkids.”
Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Ron Stephens, Marcus Thompson to square off in house district 164 race
