Friday, March 6, 2026–7:00 p.m.
-Staff reports-
Qualifying has concluded for the May 19 primary and November 3 General Election and there will be a number of contested local races.
For Floyd County Commission, Post 1, incumbent Rhonda Wallace is facing a primary challenge from fellow Republican Shane Cowan.
In Post 4, incumbent David Thornton is being challenged in the Republican primary by Bryon Eugene Benefield. The winner will face Democrat Fred Adams in the November general election.
In Post 5, which is the seat currently held by Scotty Hancock, who is not running again, Ronnie Kilgo, Cleve Jackson, and Tonya Eden Shepard will face off in the Republican primary. The winner will face Democrat Shonna Bailey in November.
Bailey’s campaign issued a news release, which read:
“A lifelong resident of Floyd County, Bailey has a deep-rooted history of service and advocacy. Her extensive community involvement includes serving on the Parent Advisory & Information & Education Committee for the Floyd County Health Department and working as a Mentor Support Specialist for Rejuvenate Hope and Southeast Elementary School.
Bailey’s commitment to the workforce is highlighted by her leadership roles within the United Steel Workers. She has served on the Grievance Committee for Local 804, attended Woman of Steel training at Inland Paperboard & Packaging (now International Paper), and served as Secretary for Local 9-518 at the Temple Inland Rome Sawmill.
Following a personal tragedy involving her nephew, Bailey co-founded the Keion Harper Foundation. The organization provides resources and education to support gun violence prevention measures and empowers affected families.
“My goals as a County Commissioner are to ensure that we have smart development throughout Floyd County,” said Shonna Bailey. “To me, that means improving our infrastructure and housing to handle growth efficiently, safeguarding our education system from school closures, and watching out for our seniors, disabled residents, and those struggling with mental health challenges. This is about service and community.”
Contested races for Floyd County School Board
For the Floyd County School Board in District 1, Sonja Johnson Law, a Democrat, has qualified along with incumbent Republican Steve Turrentine. They will face off in November.
Law’s campaign also sent out a news release, which read:
“Sonja Law, a dedicated leader in mental health and community service, officially announces her campaign for the Floyd County Board of Education. Her platform centers on providing every child with opportunity and support within a school system that is accountable to local families.
Drawing on her professional background as an advocate for unheard children and families, and her personal experience as a single mother who navigated the Floyd County school system, Law brings a unique, firsthand perspective to the challenges the community faces.
She understands the critical role of strong teachers, clear communication, and supportive services in achieving student success.
“Academic achievement is connected to wellness, stability, and accountability,” Law stated.. “I am committed to partnering and engaging with families, supporting educators, and prioritizing student mental health to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive”.
Law’s campaign is a call to action for a school board that prioritizes the holistic needs of students, recognizing that mental health and family stability are foundational to academic success.”
For Floyd County School Board, District 4, a seat currently held by Tony Daniel, who is not seeking re-election, Carmen Dempsey Jones and Matthew Todd Wheeler, both Republicans, have qualified and will face off in the May primary.
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