Comparing the “Work, Wages, and Wealth” plan with the “Honest Government” software audit.
Derrick Jackson (D)
- Originally From: Tyrone, Georgia (District 68)
- Georgia Residency: 20+ years
- Military Career: Retired U.S. Navy Officer (22 years); 7 deployments, 4 combat missions.
- Corporate/Academic: Senior Marketing Manager at GE ($1B global market identification); Adjunct Professor; Doctoral Candidate (Public Policy).
- Platform: Raising the minimum wage to $20; repealing the 6-week abortion ban; ending gerrymandering via HR 1105.
- Known For: 42 years of leadership experience; his “Born-to-Serve” philosophy; being a surrogate for Kamala Harris; and his vocal opposition to ICE raids in his district.
The A.T.L. Agenda (Bureau Analysis)
ART (The Educators 3R Plan & Modern Funding)
Jackson’s “Art” pillar is a total mechanical overhaul of the state’s education engine. He argues that the Quality Basic Education (QBE) formula is a “1985 budget for 2026 students.” He proposes the Educators 3R Plan (Recruit, Retain, Reward) to aggressively raise starting salaries. Crucially, he advocates for a Poverty Weight in state funding, ensuring schools in high-poverty areas have the wrap-around services and smaller class sizes needed to bridge the literacy gap.
TRADE (Surplus Reinvestment & Data Moratoriums)
The “Trade” agenda for Jackson is about Equitable Growth. He intends to use the $14 billion state surplus as venture capital for the overlooked: Black farmers, small businesses, and community non-profits. He also introduced HB 1059, proposing a moratorium on new data centers to evaluate their massive energy and water consumption, prioritizing Georgia’s natural resources over unchecked corporate industrial expansion.
LIFESTYLE (Financial Breathing Room & Civil Defense)
Jackson’s “Lifestyle” anchor is Affordability and Safety. He proposes a $45,000 first-time homebuyer grant and a 2-3% cap on rent increases. Drawing on his military background, he supports “Common-Sense Gun Safety,” including a moratorium on military-style weapons on civilian streets (HB 508). His lifestyle plan is one of “insulation,” protecting Georgians from federal instability while ensuring the right to live without the fear of pollution or detention.
Thomas “Tom” Williams (R)
- Originally From: Warner Robins, Georgia
- Georgia Residency: Lifelong
- Career: 35-year Software and Electronics veteran at Robins Air Force Base.
- Platform: “Honest Elections, Honest Government, and Working People”; creation of a “Safe Streets Strike Force.”
- Known For: A self-described “True Political Outsider” with deep technical roots in Middle Georgia’s defense industry; advocate for the “Rogue Prosecutor” oversight law.
The A.T.L. Agenda (Bureau Analysis)
ART (Technical Ethics & Systems Accountability)
Williams’ “Art” pillar is built on Forensic Accountability. Coming from a 35-year career in software and electronics, he views government as a massive operating system that requires a “code audit.” He advocates for a curriculum that prioritizes technical literacy and logic, moving away from administrative bloat and ensuring the state’s educational output aligns with the requirements of the modern defense and tech trades.
TRADE (Small Business Defense & Logistics Security)
The “Trade” agenda for Williams focuses on Securing the Economic Perimeter. He proposes a state-level crackdown on financial scams that target seniors and small business owners, viewing these as “systemic hacks” on Georgia’s prosperity. He intends to use his logistics expertise to streamline state procurement, making it easier for local, “non-connected” contractors to bid on state contracts without needing political lobbyists.
LIFESTYLE (Community Integrity & Oversight)
Williams’ “Lifestyle” anchor is Environmental Safety and the Rule of Law. He proposes a Statewide Grand Jury system to investigate public officials, ensuring that “lifestyle quality” isn’t degraded by corruption. His “Safe Streets Strike Force” would deploy specialized prosecutors to assist local DAs in high-crime zones, framing public safety as a technical resource that must be allocated where the “load” is heaviest.