LinkedIn

Alex Griffin is from Columbia County, Georgia. He has a bachelor's degree in finance and real estate from the University of Georgia and a master's degree in real estate from the University of North Carolina. He lives with his wife, Brooke, and three children in Augusta, Georgia, and serves as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Augusta.

Alex is the assistant vice president of innovation at the Medical College of Georgia Foundation, Inc., where he has also served as executive director of student foundation. Prior to that, he worked as the student foundation executive director at Belltower and an investment associate at Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate.

Alex's campaign for District 1 on the Columbia County Board of Commissioners is his first run for public office.

Commissioner candidate Alex Griffin shares his goals for Columbia County

Wants to bring more high paying jobs to Columbia County.

- Wants to bring more high paying jobs to Columbia County.
- Opposes raising property taxes.
- Wants "responsible growth."
- Supports small businesses.

Economy

Plans to improve county health outcomes by expanding access to healthcare providers, increasing the number of health providers, and incentivizing the "growth of doctors and nurses."

Aims to improve county parks and recreation amenities.

- Plans to improve county health outcomes by expanding access to healthcare providers, increasing the number of health providers, and incentivizing the "growth of doctors and nurses."
- Aims to improve county parks and recreation amenities.

Public Services

As of March 11, 2026, Alex Griffin’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Housing & Urban Development

Believes the sheriff's department does "an incredible job" keeping the county safe and will not disrupt them.

- Believes the sheriff's department does "an incredible job" keeping the county safe and will not disrupt them.

Public Safety

Hopes to strengthen Columbia County infrastructure.

- Hopes to strengthen Columbia County infrastructure.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment

Facebook

Alex Griffin

Alex Griffin is a longtime Columbia County resident. He has a bachelor's degree in finance and real estate from the University of Georgia and a Master of Business Administration in real estate from the University of North Carolina. He is married to Brooke, and they have three children. Alex also serves as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Augusta.

Alex is assistant vice president of innovation at the Medical College of Georgia Foundation, Inc., where he has also served as executive director of student foundation. Prior to that, he worked as the student foundation executive director at Belltower and an investment associate at Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate.

Alex's campaign for District 1 on the Columbia County Board of Commissioners is his first run for elected office.

Rafael Perez

Sam Scruby

Buket Urgen

Candidate website

Bobby Timmerman lives in Evans, Georgia. He has a degree from Augusta State University. He is a husband and father. 

Bobby works in law enforcement and is a local realtor. 

Plans to support and encourage local businesses.

Wants to keep taxes fair and accountable.

- Plans to support and encourage local businesses.
- Wants to keep taxes fair and accountable.

As of March 11, 2026, Bobby Timmerman’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- Wants to maintain strong public safety.

Seeks to improve roads and infrastructure.

- Seeks to improve roads and infrastructure.

Bobby Timmerman

Alejandra Gracias

James van Meter attended Southern Illinois University. He lives with his wife, Christy, in Evans, Georgia and has three adult children. 

Linkedin

James is a chief information officer for the Columbia County School District. He previously worked as a chief information security officer for the Medical College of Georgia. James served in the United States Army and the Maryland Army National Guard. 

James' campaign for County Commissioner is his first run for public office. 

Supports managed growth and development that protects community character.

Will advocate for families and those on fixed incomes who feel pressured by rising utility costs as a result of industrial development.

- Supports managed growth and development that protects community character.
- Will advocate for families and those on fixed incomes who feel pressured by rising utility costs as a result of industrial development.

As of March 11, 2026, James van Meter’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Prioritizes infrastructure like roads, utilities, and services that keep pace with growth.

- Prioritizes infrastructure like roads, utilities, and services that keep pace with growth.

James van Meter

Maxwell Schaffner

- County Commissioners create and pass laws at the county-level. These laws show up in very tangible ways, such as determining how much you pay in property and sales taxes, public transportation, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners are responsible for preparing and passing the county budget. The budget determines how much funding goes to various public services, such as public transportation, law enforcement, repairing roads, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners oversee the administrative duties of your county’s government to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of county residents.
- County Commissioners are elected to 4-year terms in staggered years. Typically, you only vote for the County Commissioner that represents your county commission district.

Columbia County Commissioner, District 1, Republican Primary

Candidates (3)