Shayna Boston challenges Max Burns again in rematch for Georgia Senate District 23

SWAINSBORO, Ga. — Democrat Shayna Boston is making a second run for Georgia’s state Senate District 23, hoping to unseat Republican incumbent Max Burns after losing to him in 2024.

Boston, an educator and entrepreneur from Swainsboro, says her campaign has drawn stronger support this time around, pointing to what she calls growing enthusiasm across the district’s 11 counties.

“This particular election, it has become more vital to Georgia, and really, this state Senate race, because it’s been looked at as one of the most flippable seats, and I totally agree,” Boston said in a one-on-one interview.

The general election is set for Nov. 3.

A personal “why”

Boston said her 15-year-old son, Chase Michael Banks, is central to why she’s running again.

“My why? Chase Michael Banks, that’s my son... [he] just like other kids, are my why. They are the future, which is why school systems and having a brighter future for our students is number one priority,” Boston said.

As a classroom teacher herself, Boston said overhauling how Georgia pays educators is her top legislative priority. She pointed to the state’s funding formula for K-12 schools, known as QBE, which she said has not been substantially updated since the 1980s.

“The QBE formula has not been updated since the 80s... that means that we have been overlooking our teachers,” Boston said.

Boston said she wants to raise starting teacher pay to $75,000, citing Georgia’s budget surplus — which state officials have reported at roughly $15 billion — as a potential funding source.

“We can start with that $15 billion surplus that we have with the state of Georgia,” Boston said. “I’m reaching for $75,000” in starting teacher pay.

Healthcare and Medicaid expansion

Boston also called for expanding Medicaid in Georgia, saying rural hospital closures have left some residents without basic care.

“We have, in the rural communities where hospitals are closing, there are three communities, three counties that don’t have hospitals,” Boston said. “Even in Swainsboro, we don’t have access to the OBGYN — you can’t have babies in Swainsboro.”

Asked about Georgia’s abortion law, which restricts most abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy, Boston said she opposes the current restrictions.

“I am totally for complete autonomy of a woman’s body,” Boston said. “So yes, I am for the ban on getting rid of those abortion restrictions that we have.”

Rural economy and infrastructure

Beyond education and healthcare, Boston said she’s focused on expanding broadband access and supporting the district’s agricultural economy.

“I’m going to be advocating for our farmers,” Boston said. “I’m going to be advocating for expanding broadband because it not just affects them, it affects everyone.”

Bipartisanship and the race ahead

Boston acknowledged District 23 has trended Republican in recent cycles but said she’s prepared to work across party lines if elected.

“I have no problem working with anyone,” Boston said. “At the end of the day, it’s not about red, it’s not about blue, it’s about people.”

Boston’s campaign platform also includes protecting working families, supporting small businesses and creating pathways to homeownership.

With early voting approaching, Boston urged supporters not to wait until Election Day to cast ballots.

“Don’t wait,” Boston said. “When we vote early, we’re going to show our numbers. We’re going to show that enthusiasm, and that will hopefully help the rest of Georgia to be enthused to vote on November 3rd.”

Boston faces Burns, the Republican incumbent, in the Nov. 3 general election.

See full interview below: