LeMario Brown: A Case Study in the New Populism

Donald Trump didn’t just disrupt the Republican Party; he rewired the entire political ecosystem. The new normal isn’t polished resumes or party loyalty—it’s emotional resonance, economic urgency, and cultural authenticity. And in Georgia, that shift is already reshaping the terrain.

So what this means for Georgia Democrats?

1. The Old Playbook Is Crumbling

- Voters—especially in rural and working-class communities—aren’t moved by institutional endorsements or technocratic policy briefs. They want someone who feels like them, who talks like them, and who fights like them.

LeMario Brown on his tractor in Fort Valley

- Democrats who cling to metro-centric messaging or elite donor circles risk alienating the very voters they need to win back.

2. The New Litmus Test: Can You Speak Bread-and-Butter Truths?

- Candidates must show they understand the cost of groceries, the fear of hospital closures, and the pride of land ownership. It’s not about ideology—it’s about dignity.

LeMario Brown is emerging as a rural centrist populist who reflects this new political reality:

- Authenticity Over Optics: He’s a pecan farmer, not a polished insider. His voice carries the weight of lived experience, not rehearsed talking points.

- Economic Justice as a Unifier: Brown’s message “We all got to eat” cuts across partisan lines. It’s not left or right; it’s survival and fairness.

- Community-Rooted Solutions: From youth violence to infrastructure, he talks about patrolling with the community, not policing over it. That’s a populist ethos rooted in empowerment, not control.

And crucially, he’s not afraid to challenge the Democratic establishment. His work with nonpartisan civic groups like Peach Concerned Citizens shows a commitment to listening first, labeling second.

So what this means for the Lt. Governor Race?

If Brown runs for Lt. Governor, he could:

- Disrupt the Democratic primary by forcing a conversation about rural equity, veterans, law enforcement, economic justice, and cultural preservation.

- Attract swing voters who feel abandoned by both parties but still believe in Georgia’s potential.

- Redefine what it means to be a Democrat in the South—less about party orthodoxy, more about pragmatic populism.

This is the kind of candidacy that doesn’t just win votes, it reshapes coalitions. If Democrats embrace this shift, they could build a durable majority rooted in working-class dignity and rural pride. If they resist it, they risk becoming irrelevant in the very places they need to win.

It's Decision week for Central Georgia Bluedog Democrat LeMario Brown... Lt. Governor or Agriculture Commissioner?

If  LeMario Brown, the 40-year-old moderate Democrat, pecan farmer, and Fort Valley City Councilman/Mayor Pro-Tem, officially enters the 2026 race for Georgia Lieutenant Governor instead of Commissioner of Agriculture, it would represent a strategic pivot from his specialized agricultural expertise toward a broader, more politically influential role. As of August 26, 2025, Brown has only for med an exploratory committee for Lieutenant Governor (announced July 13, 2025), This choice would have ripple effects on his political trajectory, rural Georgia's representation, and the Democratic Party's long-term strategy in a purple state where Republicans dominate statewide offices.

Opting for Lieutenant Governor—a role that involves presiding over the Georgia State Senate, influencing committee assignments, and serving as a potential successor to the Governor—would elevate Brown's profile beyond his rural roots. His "Growing Hope" slogan and focus on working families, veterans, small businesses, young voters, and farmers could appeal in a high-visibility race.

However, this is a riskier bet: Lieutenant Governor requires statewide name recognition, robust  fundraising, and navigating a competitive Democratic primary (currently with at least one other candidate) and general election against GOP contenders like state Sens. Blake Tillery, Steve Gooch, or John F. Kennedy. In contrast, Agriculture Commissioner aligns directly with his farming background (revitalizing pecan groves, livestock operations, and advocacy for Black and disadvantaged farmers), potentially offering a more winnable path against incumbent Tyler Harper (R), who won by only 7.5 points in 2022 amid vulnerabilities like handling bird flu outbreaks, feral hog damage, and equity issues for minority farmers.

By choosing Lieutenant Governor, Brown could position himself as a stepping stone to higher office (e.g., Governor) if successful, but a loss might sideline him politically, It


signals ambition but forgoes immediate, hands-on impact on agriculture policy. Rural Georgia, home to the state's $70+ billion agriculture industry and communities facing economic decline, infrastructure gaps, and demographic shifts, stands to gain or lose depending on Brown's success. If he runs for and wins Lieutenant Governor, rural voices could amplify in the Senate: As a lifelong rural resident and moderate with experience in economic development and farmer mentorship, Brown could push legislation on sustainable farming, tech innovations (e.g., drones for agriculture), federal aid for small farms, and rural broadband—issues he's championed through his nonprofit L.E.A.P., Inc., and local governance. This could foster bipartisanship on rural priorities, countering GOP dominance in these areas and addressing challenges like inflation-driven food costs, climate impacts, and labor shortages

However, bypassing Agriculture Commissioner means forgoing direct oversight of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, which handles critical rural functions like food safety, animal health, crop regulations, and programs like the Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE).3f20cb Without a strong Democratic alternative in that race, incumbent Harper could coast to reelection, potentially perpetuating policies critics view as favoring large agribusiness over small, diverse farmers. For rural Georgia—where Democrats have hemorrhaged support—Brown's Lieutenant Governor bid might inspire turnout among disillusioned voters but risks leaving ag-specific needs unaddressed if he loses, exacerbating urban-rural divides.

Brown's entry into the Lieutenant Governor race would signal the Democratic Party's push to reclaim statewide relevance by fielding moderate, rural, and diverse candidates, key to flipping red-leaning areas in a state that elected Democrats like Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock but struggles down-ballot. As a Black, rural moderate, he could broaden the party's appeal, rebuilding coalitions in South Georgia (e.g., through groups like the Blue Dog Coalition) and countering GOP narratives on agriculture and family values. This aligns with recent party shifts, such as former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan's party switch and considerations for Governor, highlighting fluidity in Georgia politics.

Long-term, a competitive run could energize young and minority voters, boost Democratic infrastructure in rural districts via initiatives like Contest Every Race, and set a precedent for non-Atlanta-based candidates. Success might pave the way for more moderates in top roles, strengthening the party's bench for 2030 and beyond. But a defeat, plausible in a GOP-leaning cycle could reinforce perceptions of Democratic weakness statewide, especially if the Agriculture Commissioner race lacks a viable contender, allowing Republicans to solidify control over ag policy. Overall, it represents a high-stakes bet on expansion over consolidation, potentially reshaping the party's rural strategy if it pays off.

It's Charlie Bailey Time!

On Tuesday, voter will return to the polls to vote in a pair of runoff elections to determine who will go on to the General Election.

One such race is for Lt. Governor where Charlie Bailey who was a 2018 candidate for Attorney General will face off against Kwanza Hall, who is a former Atlanta City Councilman and Congressman.

Voters should vote for Charlie Bailey next Tuesday. He will be a strong fighter for Rural Georgia whether you live in Charlton County, Montgomery County, Polk County or Union County.

Charlie will first address the symptoms of a over regulated, over taxed economic base and it effect on the taxpayer. Second, he understands and respect that Rural Georgia is Georgia too! (He is a native of Harris County in Western Georgia). Third he will ensure no more rural hospitals will close and to finally spearheard much needed medicaid expansion to rural areas of our state that are in desperate need of healthcare services. And finally, he will address and try to come up with solutions to the three f's.... Fuel, Food, and Fertilizer. Our Farmers and Agriculture Industry rely tremendously on diesel a
nd fertilizer, and voters feel the pinch in their wallet and pocketbooks when go to the store or put gas in their vehicles.

Kwanza Hall, his opponent is a nice guy with many accomplishments and if he wins, I'd take a long look at supporting him, but right now Georgians need a Charlie Bailey as Lt. Governor to bring all parties together to continue to move Georgia forward.

Charlie has been endorsed by former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, former Governor Roy Barnes, Lt. Governor Mark Taylor, Congressman Hank Johnson.

Vote Charlie Bailey for Lt. Governor on Tuesday June 21.

Former Lt. Governor Mark Taylor Endorses Floyd Griffin for Secretary of State

 

Should One of the Democratic Candidates for the Senate Follow Eugene Yu Lead & Switch Races?

With the switch of longshot U.S. Senate Candidate Eugene Yu (R-Augusta) from the U.S. Senate race to the 12th Congressional District, the question need to be raised should one or more of the Democratic Candidates consider doing the same thing?

Oglethorpe Mayor Gerald Beckum

The race on the Democratic Side has turned into a two person affair between Centrist Democrat Michelle Nunn (D-Atlanta) & Progressive Democrat Dr. Branko Radulovacki (D-Atlanta). 

Thus that leaves Gerald Beck, Steen Miles & Todd Robinson as the other democrats on the outside looking in because Michelle Nunn is sucking all if not most of the media attention & money away from the other candidates as well as Branko Radulovacki. You can say its unfair, but it is what it is.

Out of the three, Gerald Beckum, 68, mayor of Oglethorpe & Conservative Democrat should seriously consider doing what Eugene Yu have done....Switch Races. His long extensive background as a mayor & Agribusinessman would serve him well for Agriculture Commissioner, or (since he's already running for the U.S. Senate), a run for Lt. Governor. Connie Stokes isn't exactly tearing it up in terms of fundraising & building a statewide network. If he wants to stay local, then a run for the State Legislature would suit him well.

Beckum has been mayor since 1983 and is one of the very few remaining old line populist Georgia Democrats from the George Busbee, Joe Frank Harris, Zell Miller era. 

With qualifying set to begin on March 3, time is crucial for State Democrats to field candidates for down ballot races. Dems need a strong, credible slate of candidates who have the ability to appeal in a general election. At last check, general elections aren't won in the primary.

GA-2014: A Jason Carter-Carl Camon Tandem Looks Very Appealing From My Neck of the Woods

By now many of you know that State Senator Jason Carter will run for governor next year. As a result of that, previously announced candidate for governor, ex State Sen & DeKalb Commissioner Connie Stokes decided to drop down and run for Lt. Governor. Nothing wrong with that

Camon during his 2010 run for Governor

But as I was thinking, the one person would pair perfectly with Jason Carter in the 2014 General Election....Carl Camon, the former Mayor of Ray City (Berrien County) and 2010 gubernatorial candidate for governor. Camon hails from South Georgia, a area which democrats have not committed to compete in over a decade.

Camon served five terms as mayor of Ray City, helped start Georgia's first municipal Pre-K Program, served 10 years in the U.S. Air force and was listed as Georgia's 40 under 40 rising stars in Georgia a few years ago by Georgia Trend Magazine.

During his 2010 run for governor, Camon stated when it comes to education, he believed that many of Georgia's problems were linked to education. He supported returning authority to teachers and increase their pay to the National Average and he also would encourage teachers to retire after 25 years to reduce cost in addition he would phase out alternative schools and work to reduce the number of students who repeat grades. With education being one of State Senator Carter's top platforms in 2014, this would seem like a perfect match for the 2014 General Election.

Camon is a Rural, Conservative African American Democrat who opposed abortion, supports the second amendment, Pre-K, Hope and QBE. Nothing against Connie Stokes, but in a general election, a duo of Moderate Jason Carter and Conservative Carl Camon, two young, smart Georgia politicos would be formidable and both would be a friend of Rural Georgia.

I don't know whether or not Camon would run for office again and currently he's doing some great things down in South Georgia, but the thought of Carter-Camon '14 is something to think about.

DuBose Porter, Carol Porter in 2014?

With 2010 in the books, its time to wonder what lies ahead for democrats as they took a thumpin' last week.

What does the future holds for the Porters of Laurens County?

Porter (DuBose) gave his seat to run a unsuccessful campaign for governor. He is, in my opinion the next democrat in line to take a stab at another run for governor in 2014 against Nathan Deal, or whoever.

Let's not forget he's only 57 years old, so he still has some political life left in him since this was his first run for statewide office.

He ran a impressive grassroots campaign, but he couldn't beat the deep pocket donors of Roy Barnes in his bid to become the democratic nominee. Plus being minority leader at the time in the legislature, he didn't have the time to get his message out there to the people.

He's a graduate of Davidson College, interned for then US Senator Sam Nunn, he served as Administration Floor Leader in the House of Representatives to Governor Zell Miller. In January 2003, Porter was elected Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of Representatives.

I asked a question yesterday would the result been different had Porter was the nominee against Nathan Deal? Probably, but who knows?

Porter is in prime positon to make another run for governor in 2014, but its a question whether or not he will.

Then there's his dynamic wife & former Lt. Governor Carol Porter who came out of nowhere to make a strong run at Casey Cagle, garnering around 42% of the vote for a so-called novice candidate.

She wowed crowds with her fiery speeches, got high praise from unlikely republican supporters such as Macon CityCouncilman Erick Erickson of Redstate.Com. She stepped up when no other democrat was willing to challenge Casey Cagle because let's face it, it was "FEAR" that kept some other dems from challenging Cagle. Despite being unsuccessful, she has left a built in infrastructure for another run for office in 2014 as well, possibly for governor, Lt. Governor or another office down the line.

2010 elections was one of those rare instances that only happen every so-often, so 2014 could be the year that these two strong, viable candidates can resuscitate the party once & for all.

Looking at the Democratic Bench, there isn't much to work with:
Rob Teilhet
Michael Thurmond
Thurbert Baker
Jim Marshall.

Other Possibilities are:

David Adelman, ex-State Senator & current US Ambassador of Singapore
Ed Tarver, ex-State Senator & U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

Georgia Democratic Party Attack Ad against Casey Cagle

Cagle is battling Carol Porter (D) for Lt. Governor

2010 Endorsements - Lt. Governor

Last Updated: 01/04/10

If you know of an endorsement not listed or any errors on the page, please email me at ruraldem@gmail.com.

Democrats

Republicans

Casey Cagle

Congress

Statewide

State Senate

State House

Municipal/County: 190
Sheriff Lynn Anderson, Bulloch County
Sheriff Frank Andrews, Rabun County
Sheriff Wayne Bennett, Glynn County
Sheriff Scott Berry, Oconee County
Sheriff John Bowens, Terrell County
Sheriff Patrick Cannon, Dade County
Sheriff Billy Cape, Pulaski County
Sheriff Billy Carlisle, Dawson County
Sheriff Joe Chapman, Walton County
Sheriff Dobie Conner, Charlton County
Sheriff Butch Conway, Gwinnett County
Sheriff Donnie Craig, Pickens County
Sheriff Steve Cronic, Hall County
Sheriff John T. Darr, Muscogee County
Sheriff Benny Deloach, Appling County
Sheriff Randy Dely, Webster County
Sheriff Heath Elliott, Seminole County
Sheriff Stan Evans, Jackson County
Sheriff Roger Garrison, Cherokee County
Sheriff Buddy Glass, Miller County
Sheriff Tommy J. Gregory, Camden County
Sheriff Wayne Hannah, Fayette County
Sheriff Barry Haston, Elbert County
Sheriff Anthony Heath, Berrien County
Sheriff Ross Henry, Heard County
Sheriff Josh Hilton, Calhoun County
Sheriff Chris Houston, Greene County
Sheriff Mike Jolley, Harris County
Sheriff Dane Kirby, Fannin County
Sheriff Alvie Knight, Jr., Toombs County
Sheriff Terry Langley, Carroll County
Sheriff Gerald Lawson, Lincoln County
Sheriff J. Don Martin, Liberty County
Sheriff Jimmy McDuffie, Effingham County
Sheriff Bobby McLemore, Ben Hill County
Sheriff Phil Miller, Douglas County
Sheriff Clark Millsap, Bartow County
Sheriff Darren Mitchum, Twiggs County
Sheriff David Moore, Atkinson County
Sheriff Stacy L. Nicholson, Gilmer County
Sheriff Charles N. Norton, Lanier County
Sheriff Ted Paxton, Forsyth County
Sheriff Gene Pope, Butts County
Sheriff Tomyln Primus, Hancock County
Sheriff Chris Prine, Lowndes County
Sheriff Reggie D. Rachals, Lee County
Sheriff Mitch Ralston, Gordon County
Sheriff Marc Richards, Taliaferro County
Sheriff Clarance Sanders, Montgomery County
Sheriff Randy Shirley, Stephens County
Sheriff Howard Sills, Putnam County
Sheriff Clyde R. Smith, Bryan County
Sheriff Johnny Smith, Telfair County
Sheriff Jud Smith, Barrow County
Sheriff Mike Smith, Oglethorpe County
Sheriff Pete Smith, Sumter County
Sheriff Dee Stewart, Spalding County
Sheriff Cullen Talton, Houston County
Sheriff Joey Terrell, Habersham County
Sheriff Jimmy Thomas, Pike County
Sheriff Robert C. Thomas, Brantley County
Sheriff Shane Tondee, Schley County
Sheriff Gary Vowell, Tift County
Sheriff Neal Walden, White County
Sheriff Lewis Walker, Crawford County
Sheriff Larry Waller, Lamar County
Sheriff Neil Warren, Cobb County
Sheriff Jeff Watson, Taylor County
Sheriff Al Whittington, Colquitt County
Sheriff Clay Whittle, Columbia County
Sheriff Jeff Wigington, Rockdale County
Sheriff Mike Yeager, Coweta County
Retired Sheriff Bill Hutson, Cobb County
Retired Sheriff Randall Johnson, Fayette County
Mayor Willie Adams, Albany
Mayor Tommy Allegood, Acworth
Mayor Samuel Allen, Resaca
Mayor Hays Arnold, Thomaston
Mayor Boyd Austin, Dallas
Mayor Jerry Baker, Maysville
Mayor Johnny Baker, Rossville
Mayor Margaret P. Ballard, Cornelia
Mayor Richard Barr, Adel
Mayor Robert Belisle, Senoia
Mayor Dwaine Biggerstaff, Lincolnton
Mayor Linda Blechinger, Auburn
Mayor Mike Bodker, Johns Creek
Mayor Jerome Brackins, Arlington
Mayor June Dyal Bradfield, Mc Rae
Mayor Keith Brady, Newnan
Mayor William Pete Bridges, Tallapoosa
Mayor Jason Briley, Gray
Mayor James Burgess, Social Circle
Mayor Robert Butler, Brooks
Mayor Donald Cannon, Walnut Grove
Mayor Jamie Cater, Tifton
Mayor Carol Chambers, Homerville
Mayor W. Burford Clark Jr., Woodbine
Mayor Ronald Cobb, Fort Oglethorpe
Mayor Tom Cobb, Blythe
Mayor R.W. Coley, Hampton
Mayor J. Allen Collins, Villa Rica
Mayor William Copenhaver, Hoschton
Mayor Glenn Cross, Danielsville
Mayor Ray Crowder, Chickamauga
Mayor Corine C. Deyton, Forest Park
Mayor Ronald Doche, Hogansville
Mayor Richard Dowdy, Cadwell
Mayor Tom DuPree, Madison
Mayor Norman Echols, Rayle
Mayor Donald Emmons, Midway
Mayor A. Drew Ferguson, West Point
Mayor Myrtle Figueras, Gainesville
Mayor William Floyd, Decatur
Mayor Rick Ford, Temple
Mayor Wayne Garner, Carrollton
Mayor Kathy Gordon, Ideal
Mayor Kenny Gowin, Tunnel Hill
Mayor Pat Graham, Braselton
Mayor H. Ford Gravitt, Cumming
Mayor Joe Grooms, Brooklet
Mayor Charlie Denton Hall, Sumner
Mayor Bobby D. Hamby, Porterdale
Mayor Charles Hardy, Commerce
Mayor Travis Harper, Nashville
Mayor Barton Harris, Trenton
Mayor Tyson Haynes, Chatsworth
Mayor Doug Haynie, Jefferson
Mayor Don Heaton, Shady Dale
Mayor Donald Henriques, Woodstock
Mayor Diane Hirling, Flowery Branch
Mayor Casey Houston, Grantville
Mayor William Hoyle, Ellijay
Mayor James Hungerpiller, Vernonburg
Mayor Malcom Hunnicutt, Demorest
Mayor Charles Jones, Lyerly
Mayor Joel E. Kea, Adrian
Mayor Evan King, Adairsville
Mayor Jimmy Kirkland, Milan
Mayor Arthur Letchas, Alpharetta
Mayor David Lewis, Thomasville
Mayor Harris Little, Carnesville
Mayor James Luken, Watkinsville
Mayor Jeff Lukken, Lagrange
Mayor Mark Mathews, Kennesaw
Mayor James Matthews, Aldora
Mayor Gary McCullough, Dahlonega
Mayor Derrick McElwaney, Sharpsburg
Mayor Rex Millsaps, Lawrenceville
Mayor J.H. Milner, Crawfordville
Mayor Ralph Moore, Union City
Mayor Ray Morgan Sr., Canon
Mayor Ellie Morris, Pearson
Mayor Richard Morris, Georgetown
Mayor Larry Motes, Portal
Mayor Joe Norton, Summerville
Mayor Ray Nunley, Loganville
Mayor Willie Oswalt, Lake City
Mayor Alan F. Peacock, Warwick
Mayor Gary Pirkle, Sugar Hill
Mayor Larry Poole, Gillsville
Mayor Anthony Quinney, Garden City
Mayor Thomas Ramey, Clayton
Mayor Hazel M. Ramsey, Warm Springs
Mayor Walter Buddy Rea, Denton
Mayor Roberta Rice, Bowman
Mayor William Gordon Robinson, Dillard
Mayor Lamar Royal, Ocilla
Mayor Harold Smith, Stapleton
Mayor William Stewart, Royston
Mayor Jim Still, Roswell
Mayor Lee Swaney, Clarkston
Mayor David Theiss, Ellaville
Mayor Bryan Thompson, Brunswick
Mayor George Thompson, Winder
Mayor Mickey Thompson, Douglasville
Mayor Monte Tillman, Pulaski
Mayor Wayne Tipton, Bloomingdale
Mayor Edward Towns, Cochran
Mayor Kenneth Turner, Gordon
Mayor Milton Turner, Lula
Mayor Patricia Vaughn, Powder Springs
Mayor Zack Wade, Cordele
Mayor William Paul Walker, Nelson
Mayor Amy R. Williford, Whitesburg
Mayor Jackie Wilson, Douglas
Mayor James Worrall, Perry
Mayor Ken Wright, Dunwoody
Mayor Michael Brad Yates, Franklin

Other

Organizations


Libertarians

Bill Shipp likes Michael Thurmond for Governor.

Sam Olens might be hard to beat for governor next year, if he had a $10 million-plus campaign war chest and established statewide fame.

At the moment, Sam has neither. He is chairman of the Cobb County Commission and active in metro Atlanta government. When it comes to dealing with traffic, the environment and social problems, Sam is a local-government policy wonk of the first order. However, his association with metro Atlanta and his pointy-headed view of the problems surrounding us may be too hard to overcome, even with a gazillion-dollar advertising campaign. Brains are more of a liability than an asset in a big part of the Georgia electorate.



This article is continued... To read the rest of the article, please visit::
http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/032909/opi_415710175.shtml

**********************************************

http://onlineathens.com