David Dillie discusses run for Georgia House District 161

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - David Dillie, a 24-year-old construction worker, is running as a Democrat to represent parts of Chatham and Effingham counties in Georgia House District 161.

“I work with my hands, it’s what I enjoy to do,” Dillie said.

Running for the next generation

Dillie said he is running to give the next generation a seat at the table and for the future of House District 161.

“I need to figure out what’s best for the people of my district, for my future, for the farm’s future — for whoever their future might be, decisions need to be made for the future,” Dillie said.

Dillie said frustration with long-term plans made without young voices pushed him to run.

“You got 25-year plans, 30-year plans, 40-year plans and it’s like — by the time I get there I’ll be 50, 60, 70 years old. By the time some of these plans are done, and no one wanted to ask, ‘you know we should ask a younger person.’ I kind of call it skeleton politics, where you’re literally making decisions beyond your grave, and as a younger person I got tired of that,” Dillie said.

Cost of living and the data center

Dillie said young voters tell him the cost of living, including rent and wages, was their top concern.

He said older voters raise rising property taxes and getting to a hospital in time.

Dillie said one issue dominates the district right now -- data centers.

“Of course, one of the largest ones being built in the state, that’s difficult, you know, and trying to figure out on a state level on how to have a moratorium, whether that’s a data center pause,” Dillie said.

Active investigations in two states

Dillie is at the center of two active investigations. Georgia and Nevada confirm open cases into whether he voted in the May 19 Georgia primary and the June 9 Nevada primary. Dillie said he’s aware of the investigations but is still waiting for answers himself.

“To be honest, I don’t really know what’s going on. They told one thing, two things — it’s such a complicated mess and of course, I wish I had the answers for everybody directly right now,” Dillie said.

Dillie said his message to voters, especially young voters who feel their vote doesn’t matter, is to show up.

He faces incumbent Republican candidate Bill Hitchens on November 3rd.