Special election date set to replace Mickey Stephens, and four candidates look to fill his seat

The Georgia House District 165 seat made vacant by the death of Savannah's Mickey Stephens will be on the ballot during this November's municipal elections.

Gov. Brian Kemp announced Friday that the special election would be held on Nov. 2. If a runoff is needed, it will be held Nov. 30. 

Candidates vying for the office will qualify this week. The period opens Wednesday morning and stretches through Friday. Hours are at 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.

Candidates can file paperwork and pay the $400 qualifying fee at the Secretary of State’s Office in Atlanta.

For would-be voters, the last day to register to cast a ballot in the election is Monday, Oct. 4. Advance in-person absentee voting will begins Tuesday, Oct. 12.

More:Georgia House Rep. Mickey Stephens of Savannah dies at age 77: 'A man of quiet strength'

The candidates

Stephens' vacating the seat had been anticipated long before his death. Would-be successors have been making campaign announcements since shortly after Stephens and his wife Gloria appeared before the Georgia House in March.

Gloria Stephens delivered a heartfelt thank you speech, which many misinterpreted as a retirement announcement.

Since then, four candidates have expressed interest in Stephens' post.

Chatham County Elections Board Member Antwan Lang said he would run if Stephens retired. 

More:Antwan Lang announces run for Georgia House of Representatives District 165

Former Savannah Mayor Edna Jackson had said she was considering a run for the position as well, but said she wouldn’t formally announce until Stephens officially retired as a sign “of respect.” 

More:Former Savannah Mayor Edna Jackson considering run for Georgia House

Sabrina Greene-Kent, who described herself as “semi-retired” and works part-time as a payroll specialist for ILA 141, is running,

More:Sabrina Greene-Kent announces run for Georgia House District 165

Clinton Young, a retired Army specialist and vending machine businessman who mounted unsuccessful runs for Savannah City Council in 2007, 2011 and 2015. is running as well. 

More:Democrat Clinton Young announces run for Georgia House seat 165

Will Peebles is the enterprise reporter for Savannah Morning News. He can be reached at wpeebles@gannett.com and @willpeeblessmn on Twitter.