NAACP hosts candidate forum for East Savannah races

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) -East Savannah voters heard directly from Democratic candidates Monday night as the Savannah Branch NAACP Political Action Committee hosted a candidate forum for Georgia House District 165 and Georgia Senate District 1.

The forum was held at New Generations Full Gospel Baptist Church, where candidates outlined their platforms and answered questions from the community.

“It gives us a chance to hear them, to know what they’re about and how they would serve when they go to state government,” said Glynda Jones, an NAACP member who attended.

Candidates took questions on issues ranging from Medicaid expansion and taxes to immigration and redistricting. Some attendees said the issues were significant, but expressed disappointment with turnout.

“We just got decimated with gerrymandering, our voting rights are being restricted,” said Savannah resident Craig Carter. “It’s sad that this wasn’t — the attendance wasn’t better.”

Carter said he hopes more people, especially younger voters, get involved before the election.

“We need to activate every young voter. This is going to affect Chatham County for generations,” Carter said. “I suggest the older folks make an appeal to their grandchildren and children, encourage people to come out and vote, and come out to the forums and become an informed voter.”

Organizers invited Democratic candidates Jaylen Morris, Kendra Clark and Miquan Green for the District 165 state House race. Green did not attend.

Candidates Corey Forman and Barbara Gooby attended for the District 1 state Senate race.