Incumbent
Richard Woods
Incumbent Republican candidate for Other in Georgia
Georgia State School Superintendent winner?
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NOV 7, 2026
General Election
Voters choose the office holder.
Live Odds — Georgia State School Superintendent winner?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
0%chance to win
NOV 7, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
Current roleOther
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
GenderMale
LocationGeorgia
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BackgroundEducator
EducationKennesaw State University (BA)
Notable personal detailsRichard L. Woods is an American educator and politician who has served as Georgia’s State School Superintendent since January 12, 2015, after being elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2018 and 2022. He previously worked in K–12 public education as a high school teacher and in school leadership roles including assistant principal and principal. Woods holds a bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University and a master’s degree from Valdosta State University.
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Political Positions
Economy & Taxes
Richard Woods backs tax relief measures, including suspending the state gas tax and providing property tax relief while protecting and modernizing school funding. His platform also pairs that tax relief with continued support for teacher pay and education spending.
Healthcare
Richard Woods has emphasized protecting teacher health benefits and keeping healthcare costs competitive. His public comments on the issue focus on affordability, options, and preserving benefits rather than a broader healthcare reform agenda.
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Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Richard Woods has publicly aligned himself with pro-life politics and backed Georgia leaders he described as pro-life and conservative. Publicly available records also note endorsements from Georgia Right to Life.
Climate & Energy
Richard Woods has publicly focused on energy affordability for school transportation, urging federal flexibility so districts could use relief funds to cover rising diesel costs after escalating fuel prices and the suspension of Russian energy imports. Publicly available materials do not show a clear climate-policy agenda or a sustained position on emissions, fossil fuels, or clean-energy regulation.
Public Safety & Guns
Richard Woods emphasizes school safety through more school resource officers, crisis alert systems, safety drills, and coordination with law enforcement and emergency management. He supports school staff carrying guns only as a local decision, with public hearings, intensive training, and a narrow focus on veterans, active service members, or people with law enforcement backgrounds.
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