Richmond County Runoff Election Guide: Johnson vs. Kendrick for Augusta Mayor

The Augusta mayor runoff 2025 is here, and early voting is already underway. Richmond County voters will decide between incumbent Mayor Garnett Johnson and challenger Steven Kendrick on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. We've also got a District 8 Commission seat up for grabs between Evett Williams and Michael Cioffi.

Whether you're planning to vote early or waiting until Election Day, here's everything you need to know about what's on the ballot, where to cast your vote, and what's at stake for Augusta's future.

Early Voting Is Happening Now

Don't wait until June 17 if you want to beat the lines. Early voting runs through Friday, June 13 at multiple locations across Richmond County. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours until 7:00 PM on select evenings.

Early Voting Locations:

• Richmond County Board of Elections Office (535 Telfair Street)
• Augusta-Richmond County Municipal Building (530 Greene Street)
• Warren Road Community Center (4622 Warren Road)
• Kroc Center (1833 Broad Street)
• Diamond Lakes Regional Park (5714 Mike Padgett Highway)

Call the Richmond County Board of Elections at (706) 821-2323 to confirm hours and the location nearest you. Early voting gives you flexibility and typically shorter wait times than Election Day.

The Mayoral Race: Johnson vs. Kendrick

This Garnett Johnson Steven Kendrick matchup didn't surprise anyone who watched the May general election results. Neither candidate cleared the 50% threshold needed to win outright, sending the race to a runoff that will determine Augusta's direction for the next four years.

Garnett Johnson: The Incumbent's Record

Mayor Johnson is seeking another term based on his track record in office. His campaign points to economic development wins, infrastructure improvements, and his handling of Fort Gordon partnerships as evidence of steady leadership. Johnson emphasizes continuity and building on existing momentum in downtown revitalization and job growth.

Key Johnson platform points:

• Continued focus on public safety and APD funding
• Expanding economic opportunities in underserved neighborhoods
• Strengthening relationships with Fort Gordon and the Cyber Center of Excellence
• Downtown Augusta development and Broad Street corridor improvements

Johnson's supporters say Augusta needs experienced leadership to navigate ongoing challenges. His critics argue the city needs fresh vision and more aggressive approaches to longstanding problems.

Steven Kendrick: The Challenger's Vision

Kendrick ran a strong general election campaign that earned him a spot in the runoff. His platform focuses on change and addressing what he calls unfinished business in Augusta's neighborhoods. Kendrick has emphasized community engagement, neighborhood investment, and accountability as cornerstones of his mayoral vision.

Key Kendrick platform points:

• Prioritizing neighborhood infrastructure and quality-of-life improvements
• Increasing transparency in city government operations
• Addressing blight and abandoned properties more aggressively
• Expanding youth programs and community resources

Kendrick's campaign argues Augusta needs new energy and a mayor willing to shake things up. His message has resonated particularly with voters frustrated by the pace of change in their neighborhoods.

What's Really at Stake

The Richmond County runoff election will determine Augusta's approach to several critical issues:

Economic Development: How aggressive should Augusta be in pursuing new business? What's the balance between downtown investment and neighborhood needs?

Public Safety: Both candidates support APD, but differ on funding priorities and community policing approaches.

Infrastructure: Who has the better plan for fixing roads, improving drainage, and addressing aging water and sewer systems?

Fort Gordon Relationship: With the Cyber Center of Excellence growing, how does Augusta maximize the military presence while addressing housing and traffic challenges?

Your vote will shape these decisions for the next four years.

District 8 Commission Race: Williams vs. Cioffi

The District 8 Commission seat is also headed to a runoff between Evett Williams and Michael Cioffi. District 8 covers neighborhoods in south Augusta, and this race has centered on local issues like code enforcement, parks maintenance, and constituent services.

Evett Williams has campaigned on neighborhood revitalization and improving communication between residents and county government. Williams emphasizes hands-on constituent service and holding developers accountable.

Michael Cioffi focuses on infrastructure improvements, public safety in District 8 neighborhoods, and bringing more resources to the district. Cioffi has highlighted his community involvement and relationships with city departments.

If you live in District 8, you'll vote for both the mayor and your commission representative. Check your voter registration to confirm your district if you're not sure.

Where and When to Vote on Election Day

Election Day: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 Polls Open: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

You must vote at your assigned precinct on Election Day. Not sure where that is? Check your voter registration card or call the Board of Elections at (706) 821-2323. You can also look up your precinct online at the Georgia My Voter Page (mvp.sos.ga.gov).

As long as you're in line by 7:00 PM, you'll be allowed to vote even if the line extends past closing time.

What to Bring When You Vote

Georgia requires photo ID to vote. Acceptable forms include:

• Georgia driver's license (even if expired)
• Valid state or federal government-issued photo ID
• Valid U.S. passport
• Valid employee photo ID from any branch of government
• Valid U.S. military photo ID
• Valid tribal photo ID

If you don't have one of these IDs, contact the Board of Elections immediately. They can issue a free Georgia voter ID card.

Runoff Timeline: Mark Your Calendar

• Now through June 13: Early voting at locations across Richmond County
• June 14-16: No voting (weekend before Election Day)
• June 17: Election Day, polls open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• June 17 evening: Results expected after polls close
• Late June: Official certification of results

The winner in each race takes office with the start of the new term. For the mayor's office, that means leading Augusta through critical decisions on budget, development, and city priorities.

Key Issues in Both Races

Conversations we've had around Augusta reveal several themes driving voter decisions in this Augusta mayor runoff 2025:

Neighborhood Investment: Voters want to know which candidate will prioritize their streets, parks, and quality of life. This comes up in every race.

Leadership Style: Do you want continuity or change? Experience or new energy? This philosophical question defines the Johnson-Kendrick choice.

Accountability: Both mayoral candidates talk about transparency, but voters are asking how they'll actually deliver it.

Fort Gordon Growth: The Cyber Command expansion brings jobs and economic impact, but also housing pressure and traffic. How do we manage it?

Downtown vs. Neighborhoods: The eternal Augusta debate continues. Most voters want both, but differ on the right balance.

Voter Resources and Information

Richmond County Board of Elections

• Phone: (706) 821-2323
• Address: 535 Telfair Street, Augusta, GA 30901
• Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Georgia My Voter Page: mvp.sos.ga.gov (check registration, find your precinct, see sample ballot)

Election Protection Hotline: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) for voting problems or questions on Election Day

If you encounter any issues voting — long lines, ID questions, ballot problems — document what happened and report it to the Board of Elections and the Election Protection hotline.

Your Voice, Your Choice

This Richmond County runoff election matters. Whether you're focused on the mayoral race or the District 8 Commission seat (or both), your vote shapes Augusta's future. We've watched this city evolve for years, and the decisions made by our mayor and commission directly impact our daily lives — from the roads we drive to the economic opportunities available to our neighbors.

Early voting continues through June 13. Election Day is June 17. Make your plan, bring your ID, and let your voice be heard. Augusta's next chapter starts with the choices we make at the ballot box.