Retired Superior Court Judge Dwayne Gillis Announces Candidacy for State Senate District 19

24-Year Former Superior Court Judge Brings Experience, Conservative Values, and South Georgia Common Sense to Republican Primary

DOUGLAS, GA – Former Superior Court Judge Dwayne Gillis today announced his candidacy for the Georgia State Senate District 19 seat in the Republican Primary scheduled for May 19.

Dwayne Gillis brings 24 years of experience, a lifetime of service to South Georgia, and unwavering conservative values to the race.

'After two decades on the bench serving the people of South Georgia, I could retire to my farm and enjoy time with my grandkids,' said Dwayne Gillis. 'But while on a mission trip, I felt called to serve in a new way. As a man of faith, I feel compelled to answer that call. South Georgia needs a fighter who won't back down – someone who understands and lives our values. We need someone who knows our struggles and District 19 needs someone with the experience, South Georgia common sense, and backbone to stand up for what's right. That's why I'm running for State Senate.' A Record of Service and Leadership

Dwayne Gillis has been re-elected five times unopposed as Superior Court Judge, earning the trust of South Georgia voters for 24 plus years. In that role, he has put criminals behind bars, protected families, and delivered swift and certain justice. Honest and fair, his philosophy is simple: if you do the crime, you do the time – no matter who you are. Dwayne Gillis has led the drug and mental health courts, recognizing that addiction is tearing families apart and that compassionate intervention can save lives while holding offenders accountable.

Dwayne Gillis is not just a man in a black robe. He is a farmer who believes America's food should be grown in America – he's growing oranges on his Grandfather’s 4th generation farm in South Georgia. He's a former police officer, a lawyer, and a small business owner who has made payroll. A deacon at First Baptist Church, he lives his faith every day. He and his wife Pam are parents to three children and grandparents to seven.

Campaign Priorities

Dwayne Gillis will focus his campaign on seven key priorities for South Georgia: Pro-Business: He has the experience and knowledge to pass tort reform. He is for major tax relief for businesses and families.

Education: His mother was a teacher. His daughter was a teacher and is now in administration.

Dwayne Gillis is for seeking early intervention programs with truant children. Support our teachers with adequate pay.

Back the Blue and Fight Crime: Support law enforcement with better pay and resources, keep violent criminals in jail, end parole for drug traffickers and gang members, and make criminals – not taxpayers – pay for the justice system. Seek better pay for prison guards.

Protect Our Farmers: Level the playing field by demanding foreign producers meet the same standards as Georgia farmers, stop unfair regulations crushing small farms, and grow more of America's food right here in Georgia.

Defend Conservative Family Values: Pro-life, pro-gun, pro-family. Protect kids from radical agendas, defend the Second Amendment, and ensure parents' rights over government control.

Fight for South Georgia Jobs: Expand rural broadband, attract jobs and industry to rural communities, cut red tape strangling small businesses, and help family businesses succeed right here at home.

Stand Up for Hardworking Families: Cap property tax assessments, fight for tax rebates and cuts, hold the line against wasteful spending, and bring tax dollars back home to South Georgia.

“We need someone with experience, South Georgia common sense, and the backbone to stand up for what's right. That's what I've done for 24 years on the bench, and that's what I'll do in the State Senate.'

RISING IN RANK – The Treutlen County Sheriff’s Office recently announced the promotion of Sergeant Selina Ayala (center) to the rank of Lieutenant after Ayala has shown outstanding dedication, professionalism, and leadership in serving the agency and the community. Sheriff Tommy Corbin stated that this “well-deserved promotion” reflects Ayala’s hard work, integrity, and commitment to excellence, as he is confident she will continue to make a positive impact in her new role.