Other candidates for the 56.
While our campaign for the 56 is fortunate enough to run unopposed in this year’s May 21 primary , there are several inspiring candidates on the ballots in Cherokee, Cobb, and Fulton counties who are either facing primary opponents or who’s campaigns end with next Tuesday’s vote.
So, this week I’d like to pivot and talk about some of the other candidates running to bring change and better representation to those of us in the 56.
It takes committed and responsible elected officials at all levels to make a difference. And I’ve had the pleasure to meet each of these candidates as part of my campaign journey. They’ve earned my respect and—if the geography lined up—my vote, too:
Note: The following candidate profiles are made without collaboration among the various campaigns and express only the personal admiration and opinion of the author.
Congressional District 11
Antonio Daza.
I haven’t seen a beard this inspiring since Oscar Issac’s in Dune. You can find out much more about Antonio Daza at his Congressional District 11 at his campaign website.
Antonio Daza was the very first person to introduce themselves to me at my very first Cherokee County Democrats meeting. His previous experience running against Barry Loudermilk (the notorious January 6 tour guide) helped me get a sense of what I was in for as a candidate. And Antonio’s authenticity and style helped give me the confidence to express myself in my first novice appearances.
Hailing from Valencia, Venezuela, Antonio embodies a fervent dedication to democracy, justice, and progress. His upbringing amidst familial resilience and political turmoil shaped his unwavering commitment to fighting oppression and corruption. And after seeking asylum in the U.S. in 2003, Antonio established Daza Dance in Atlanta, promoting unity through cultural expression.
Academically, he championed diversity by spearheading an inclusive major at Oglethorpe University. Inspired by the challenges of the Trump era, Antonio ran for Congress in 2022, exceeding expectations with 38% of the district's vote. His candidacy reflects a tireless pursuit of democracy and equity, rooted in his experiences in Venezuela.
Antonio envisions a future where democracy and justice thrive, advocating for inclusivity and empowerment. His candidacy symbolizes the American dream, inviting community unity to script a narrative of a flourishing society where everyone has a voice.
Ellie and I are proud to call Antonio a friends as well as a campaign colleague. You’ll often see us at campaign events together—sporting our fabulous black and gray beards, respectively—and come November I hope you’ll see us both bring much needed change and better representation to Cherokee and Cobb counties.
Fulton County School Board
Lyndsey Coates.
The pattern on this dress is as complex as the challenges facing our public schools—guess that means Fulton Country has found the right candidate in Lyndsey Coates for Fulton County School Board.
Before Ellie and I threw in our lot with this year’s election for State Senate District 56, we became very involved following and supporting candidates in the 2023 Roswell City Council races and were particularly impressed by the character and quality of candidate we saw in our Roswell neighbor, Lyndsey Coates.
Lyndsey has deep roots in Roswell, Georgia, dating back to her childhood when she attended local schools. In 2013, she and her husband made the deliberate decision to move to Roswell to raise their family. She actively participated in the redistricting process for a new school, Vickery Mill Elementary, and subsequently served on the PTA executive committee, eventually becoming the PTA President for three years.
Lyndsey has since been involved in various leadership roles in the community and recently ran for City Council, aiming to make a positive impact. With her unique perspective from both childhood and adulthood in Roswell, along with her servant-leadership and problem-solving skills, she seeks to contribute to decision-making regarding education in Fulton County Schools District 1.
Ellie and I expected to send our kids to Vickery Mill Elementary when we moved from East to West Roswell a few years ago. And Lyndsey’s hard work building out the PTA at this Title 1 school is exactly the sort of commitment to community and education that moved us to support Lyndsey for city council—and now for school board. Lyndsey’s personal endorsement from outgoing Fulton County School Board member Katha Stuart doesn’t hurt, either. 😉
State Senate District 21
Tracey Verhoeven.
Maybe I’m partial to actors, but anyone with an IMDB page and a Ballotpedia page is doing something right. You can find out much more about Tracey Verhoeven for State Senate District 21 at her campaign website.
Just north of the 56 is another Georgia State Senate District near and dear to me and mine: District 21, including Alpharetta, Canton, Milton, and Roswell. For the first time in several cycles, there are two great Democrats running against Brandon Beech (the fake-elector extraordinaire) to better represent SD21, including my friend and campaign sister, Tracey Verhoeven.
Tracey is an impressive woman—capably balancing multiple roles as a small business owner, mother to a very busy little guy, and caretaker for her own mother. Her journey of service began at a young age when her father, a Sacramento County Sheriff’s Deputy, was killed in the line of duty, instilling in her a profound sense of duty to serve others. Her commitment to advocacy and making positive changes has been evident throughout her life, from organizing protests in elementary school to working extensively in political organizing to oppose discriminatory measures and support Democratic candidates in key battleground states.
With a diverse background spanning sales, theater, film, and television, Tracey has honed her communication skills and developed a solution-oriented mindset. She recognizes the importance of amplifying voices and holding those in power accountable. Now, seeking to bring her perspective to the State Senate, Tracey aims to create a better Georgia for people of all ages and backgrounds. Her vision encompasses improving the lives of constituents in Cherokee County and North Fulton by addressing issues from childhood to retirement.
In my hometown of Roswell, there’s the exciting opportunity for all three of our State Senate seats to flip blue—SD14 is already well represented by Josh McLaurin; SD21 with Tracey Verhoeven; and SD56 with me, of course 😉. It’s an energy I feel every time Tracey and I are together at a meet and greet in Roswell or Milton, at a Cherokee County campaign breakfast or forum, or sharing the stage at Votestock. I’m thrilled to share campaign staff with her and—with your support—can’t wait to work together with Tracey under the Gold Dome to make a better Georgia for all of us.
Fulton County Commission
Jennifer Phillippi.
I’m all about strong business people making a different in political and Jennifer Phillippi for Fulton County Commission is absolutely one of them.
If you’ve stopped by our Alive in Roswell booth, odds are you’ve met our friend Jennifer Phillippi for Fulton County Commission. And if you haven’t voted yet in this May’s primary, hers is a name to remember when you head to the polls.
Jennifer lives in Roswell, GA with her husband, two kids, and their two rescue greyhounds. She’s the Chief Operating Officer of Consolidated Risk Solutions (CRS). Under her leadership, CRS has expanded from a small operation with three employees to a successful company with over 30 employees and $10 million in revenue. She is particularly proud of the positive workplace culture she’s helped create, emphasizing employee satisfaction and a supportive environment.
She holds a Master's in Business Administration and a Bachelor's in Actuarial Science. In addition to her professional achievements, Jennifer serves as the treasurer of her church and volunteers for various community organizations.
As a candidate for the Fulton County's Commission District 2, Jennifer is committed to ensuring free, fair, and open elections; supporting measures to maintain a Democratic majority on the board; and protecting the election office's budget. She advocates for reducing the jail population by adequately funding the District Attorney's and Sheriff's offices, supporting double overtime pay for overworked sheriffs, and improving inmate welfare. Jennifer also aims to implement green initiatives to enhance community health and aesthetics, such as eliminating harmful chemicals from drinking water and installing community gardens to boost property values and neighborhood desirability.
JD JORDAN FOR GEORGIA STATE SENATE DISTRICT 56
For anyone in East Cobb, Roswell, or Woodstock alarmed by the state’s escalating attacks on our bodies, our families, our doctors’ offices, our classrooms and libraries, even our polling places, I’m running for state senate district 56 to fight for our freedoms and to deliver a better future for everyone in Georgia.
And unlike my opponent who’s spent 14 years rolling back our freedoms, failing to safeguard our kids, and gerrymandered his district to stay in office, I promise to bring everyone in the 56—regardless of ideology—the best possible constituent experience so you feel heard, valued, and supported. As we all deserve to be.
I’m running for the 56. Let’s make a better Georgia for all of us.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
Jordan For Georgia, LLC
10800 Alpharetta Hwy Ste 208 #629
Roswell, GA 30076-1467
jdjordan@forthe56.com
706.804.0456
