MACON, Ga. — The Macon-Bibb Board of Elections found two people running for Bibb County sheriff failed to meet the necessary requirements for running for the office. Because of that, the board voted to disqualify both Ron Rodgers and Marshall Hughes in a Wednesday afternoon meeting.
Hours after the meeting wrapped up, Rodgers issued a statement outlining his reaction to their decision.
"In light of the recent decision by the Board of Elections, I must express both my profound gratitude for the engagement and support of Macon-Bibb County's citizens and a deep sense of regret that the board's interpretation of the qualifications has led to my disqualification from the ballot," Rodgers wrote.
The decision by the board of elections was in response to Rodgers and Hughes's failure to get fingerprinted and get a background check at Bibb County Probate Court by the deadline.
Under Georgia law, candidates for sheriff's have a few additional requirements that many other candidates do not. They're required to get their fingerprint and background check done within three business days of the qualification period ending.
In a letter to the candidates back in March, the Macon-Bibb Board of Elections said they didn't do that.
"It is the Board's understanding that you did not complete this requirement by the deadline and are therefore not qualified to hold the office of Sheriff," the letter reads.
While both candidates had gotten fingerprinted after the deadline, the board still voted 4-3 to disqualify both Hughes and Rodgers.
Rodgers — a law enforcement instructor — acknowledges the precarious position this places his campaign, but he struck an optimistic tone in his statement.
"While this is a setback, it is by no means the end of our journey," Rodgers wrote. "The issues facing our community require the kind of change I am committed to bringing to the role of sheriff."
With that, Rodgers says they are still considering what cards remain in their deck.
"We are currently exploring all available next steps, because the voice of Macon-Bibb deserves to be heard, and its concerns addressed with integrity, compassion, and innovative solutions. I remain dedicated to being a catalyst for positive change in our county, and I am thankful for the continuous support as we navigate this unexpected turn," he wrote.
Despite mounting their legal defense at the hearing, the attorneys for the candidates were unable to persuade the board against acting.
Instead, the board pushed the matter from their purview to that of Bibb Superior Court. There, the candidates can file a lawsuit challenging the board of election's decision to disqualify them.
While Rodgers hasn't explicitly said that's what he plans on doing next, he says they're seeing what they can do to keep their campaign going, despite the board's decision on Wednesday.
"Together, we will seek every possible avenue to ensure that our vision for a safer, more united Macon-Bibb can be realized," Rodgers wrote.
The attorney for Hughes told 13WMAZ they would provide a comment in response to the decision, but they have not gotten back to us yet.
Election Supervisor Tom Gillon told 13WMAZ that both candidates signed sworn affidavits acknowleding the additional requirements.