TIFTON — Tift County Commissioner Tony McBrayer is planning to run for chairman of the Tift County Board of Commissioners, according to a press release.

McBrayer was elected to the the District 3 seat in 2018. He also previously served as State Representative for Tift County and Turner County.

If elected, McBrayer plans to “govern with a spirit of humility and servant leadership…[and] evaluate issues based on what is best for all of our citizens in order to build a better community,” according to the release.

Current chairman Grady Thompson said at a 2019 TCBOC meeting that he plans to run for reelection.

McBrayer’s release continues below:

“McBrayer currently serves as County Commissioner of District 3 and has completed all training necessary to earn the distinction of Certified County Commissioner.

“Tony McBrayer was born in Tifton, Ga. and graduated with honors from Tift County High School. He attended ABAC and Valdosta State University earning degrees in business administration and accounting.

“Tony founded and operated TMM Enterprises, Inc., a wholesale specialty grocery distributor for twenty-five years. He is currently a distributor for Georgia Grown products, assisting local entrepreneurs in getting their products to retail markets.

“McBrayer is also a private wealth planner with Bennett Financial Associates in Tifton and enables his clients to protect their assets with Living Benefits insurance and supplemental retirement savings. Tony graduated from Leadership Tifton Class, Georgia Academy for Economic Development and is an active member of the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce and Tift County Republican Party.

“McBrayer serves as an ex officio member representing the Georgia House of Representatives on Georgia Grown Commodity Commission. He also serves on the executive boards of Pregnancy Care Center of Tiftarea, Tifton-Tift County Public Library, Tiftarea YMCA and Peanut Butter & Jesus, Inc.

“Tony is married to the love of his life, Diane. They have two sons and one daughter-in-law, Ryan McBrayer, Shane and Jenna McBrayer, and a precious granddaughter, Abby-Jade. They are active members of Pineview Holiness Baptist Church in Tifton where Tony serves as Adult Sunday School teacher, choir director and treasurer. McBrayer is also a past president of Tifton Gideons.

“McBrayer desires to use his experience to lead Tift County to success and move us forward as a united community. Tony pledges to have respect for varying and diverse views and welcome feedback and suggestions from others. He believes that cooperation, transparency, decency and civility between governmental bodies, as well as, with the citizenry, will allow us to find solutions for the common good of our community and allow us to meet our collective goals.

“McBrayer states that if he is privileged to lead Tift County Board of Commissioners as Chairman, he will govern with a spirit of humility and servant leadership. Tony further states that he will evaluate issues based on what is best for all of our citizens in order to build a better community.

“The General Primary Election will be held on May 19, 2020. If successful in the Primary race, McBrayer would then run in the General Election held on November 3, 2020.”