A superintendent from Candler County, Ga., has declared his candidacy for Georgia State School Superintendent in the upcoming 2026 election.

Candler County Superintendent Fred “Bubba” Longgrear, PhD, will be entering the race for Georgia State School Superintendent.

With a 29-year career in education across Georgia, Longgrear has contributed to two districts and is about to begin his 11th year leading as the Superintendent of Schools in Candler County.

His campaign website states, “Leadership and efforts within the Department will focus on actively listening to all stakeholders, including both parents and teachers, to remain informed of current needs. The aim is to ‘return public education to the families.'”

Longgrear is challenging incumbent Georgia State School Superintendent Richard Woods. Woods was first elected in 2014 and will be seeking re-election for a fourth term in the 2026 election. 

The Georgia State School Superintendent will take place November 3, 2026.