Democrat Joyce Marie Griggs campaigns in Georgia’s 1st Congressional District runoff

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Early voting is underway for Georgia’s runoff election, with two Democrats competing for their party’s nomination in the 1st Congressional District race to succeed Republican Congressman Buddy Carter.

Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Joyce Marie Griggs is facing Amanda Hollowell in the Democratic runoff. The winner will face Republican James Kingston in November.

Griggs said she has walked and lived in the district and is determined to bring about change.

“I’ve walked this district, I’ve lived this district, so I am more determined than ever to bring about a change,” Griggs said.

Campaign priorities

Griggs said her campaign focuses on improving quality of life through a grassroots strategy at porches, community centers and local businesses.

“I’m passionate about this. I’m intense about this. About making a change for the people. It has always been about the people of this district,” she said.

She said voters should consider economic conditions when deciding.

“Look at our economy, look at the families. Are we better off now than then? Will we be better off if we choose the Republicans? I think they need to look at that and realistically look at it. People are suffering,” Griggs said.

Healthcare and rural hospital access

Griggs said she aims to improve healthcare access across the district by lowering out-of-pocket costs, supporting community health centers and increasing the workforce.

“Savannah, we’re okay because we have the hospitals, but the rural areas, a lot of the hospitals are closing down,” she said.

Wildfire recovery and affordability

Griggs said she is focused on helping Brantley County after massive wildfires left about 200 people without homes.

She said she wants to improve affordability by stopping price gouging, strengthening domestic supply chains, investing in energy security and driving down prescription costs.

“So they don’t have to decide whether they’re going to buy groceries or buy the medicine,” Griggs said.

Economic development

As the district grows, Griggs said she plans to focus on infrastructure investments and workforce development with an emphasis on small businesses while finding federal resources to create economic opportunities.

She said she would monitor the federal poverty index if elected.

“If we can work on that, change that, we’re able to offer more people resources that they will be eligible for,” Griggs said.

She encouraged voters to participate in the runoff election.

“I am asking people to get back out and vote like your life depends. Matter of fact it does, democracy depends on it. Get out and vote,” Griggs said.

“Vote for Joyce Marie Griggs – the fighter. The one that will take you to the finish line. See, I was born to serve and trained to lead,” she said.