(WOODSTOCK, GA) ---Multiple candidates in Cherokee County are running unopposed for this election season.
Most of the candidates are Republicans.
Harry Johnston is running for Cherokee County commission chair, and Will Cagle is running for Cherokee County commissioner in District 1.
Chance Beam is running for the Cherokee County school board District 3, and Robert Rechsteiner is running for school board District 4.
Todd Hayes is running for Solicitor General.
Harry Johnston, Photo Credit: Cherokee County Government Website
Johnston served as Cherokee County’s District 1 Commissioner from 2000 to 2014, was elected chairman in 2014, and is a board member of the Atlanta Regional Commission.
Will Cagle, Photo Credit: Cherokee County Government Website
Cagle is a small business owner and a 7th-generation Cherokee County resident. Cagle has a website that outlines his plans for Woodstock.
“Together, we can make thoughtful, responsible decisions that create a lasting and positive impact on our community,” according to Cagle’s website.
Chance Beam, Photo Credit: Cherokee Tribune
Beam has held his position with the school board since February 2025. Rechsteiner is a former professional wrestler and has been a part of the school board for 19 years.
Rob Rechsteiner, Photo Credit: Cherokee County School District Website
Hayes has served as Cherokee County’s Solicitor-General since 2019 and previously served as Chief Assistant Solicitor-General for Cherokee County, according to his website.
Todd Hayes, Photo Credit: Todd Hayes Facebook
An unopposed candidate is someone who isn’t challenged by another individual. Running unopposed can be seen as a disadvantage because a solo candidate isn’t facing pushback and wins without opposition.
Woodstock Community Action Network founder Martha Jean Schindler spoke with OpGov.News. about unopposed elections.
Photo Credit: Jorden Hampton Zoom account
Schindler has informed residents about positions without a challenger on the Woodstock CAN Facebook account. Woodstock CAN is a civic engagement organization that encourages people to vote and run in elections, regardless of the outcome.
Schindler is no stranger to unopposed elections.
“Unopposed elections are part of why I started this group in the first place,” Schindler said. “When I moved up here to Woodstock and was filling out my ballot in 2024, I was really disappointed and shocked at how many unopposed positions there were.”
It takes effort and passion to run for political positions. Some people want to represent their community, and others aren’t as interested.
OpGov.News asked Schindler why so many positions aren't being challenged in Cherokee County.
“I think some of it is fear,” she said. “There are a lot of people who are scared to run and scared to even put a sign in their yard that says that might tell their neighbors that they are not MAGA.”
Schindler provided her perspective on why she thinks opposition is necessary during elections.
“All I can tell you is that I believe that this is so important to have opposition to these MAGA candidates, even if it's a giant Hail Mary,” she said. “Even if it is incredibly unlikely that people win.”
Other factors include the cost of campaigning and the time commitment.
Essentially, the candidates who have more money and are better off can run for positions. These wealthy candidates are able to risk more, not facing the same consequences as poorer candidates if they lose.
Schindler elaborated on the fear aspect.
“Some of the best candidates for a board of education are probably people who are teachers, who don't have a lot of money and political power, and parents who are potentially scared about what their candidacy would mean to their children,” she said.
To combat the lack of opposition, Woodstock CAN is seeking write-in candidates.
A write-in candidate is one whose name voters fill in despite not appearing on the ballot, according to Polyas.
Schindler mentioned a write-in candidate during the interview.
“The last well-known write-in candidate that we had was when a person named Katy Stamper,” she said.
Stamper ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Georgia's 11th Congressional District in 2024. Stamper lost in the general election to Barry Loudermilk.
According to DATAUSA, 281,032 people reside in Cherokee County.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please contact jorden.h@lead4eath.org.
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