Fred Longgrear

Fred Longgrear (Republican Party) (also known as Bubba) ran for election for Georgia State Superintendent of Schools. He lost in the Republican primary runoff on June 16, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Fred "Bubba" Longgrear, and I've spent 30 years serving Georgia’s public schools as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent.

For the past eleven years, I have led Candler County Schools, improving graduation rates, strengthening literacy, expanding career pathways, and building safer school environments. Today, I serve as President of the Georgia School Superintendents Association and chair of the Leadership Working Group of the Georgia Literacy Council, partnering with educators statewide to raise reading achievement.

I am running for Georgia State School Superintendent because Georgia’s schools need present, collaborative leadership. I am ready to restore trust, support teachers, and deliver real results for students and families.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

My campaign is focused on improving school safety by supporting high behavioral expectations, addressing potential threats swiftly and effectively, strengthening preventative safety measures in schools, and expanding behavioral health supports for students. Georgia families and teachers deserve learning environments where students can focus, grow, and succeed safely.Literacy is the foundation for student success. I will work to equip every child with the tools and skills needed to succeed by collaborating with educators, the Georgia Literacy Council, families, and community partners. My focus is on improving early learning experiences, addressing barriers to achievement, and ensuring Georgia students are prepared for lifelong success.I believe every student should graduate prepared for the future, whether that path includes college, technical education, military service, or the workforce. My campaign prioritizes stronger partnerships between schools, local industries, and the Technical College System of Georgia to expand career development opportunities, strengthen workforce readiness, and emphasize soft skills, work ethic, and responsible decision-making.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about public education policy because strong schools shape the future of our students, workforce, communities, and state. During the 2026 legislative session, I worked closely with legislators and education leaders to support literacy initiatives focused on improving reading outcomes and strengthening early intervention for students. Policy is important because it sets expectations, but leadership is required to successfully implement change. I have a proven track record of collaborating with legislators while also connecting with local students, parents, teachers, and administrators to deliver positive outcomes. That approach is why I have earned the endorsement of education leaders in our state legislature.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

In addition to support from local superintendents statewide and nearly a dozen state house and senate members, leadership endorsements include House Speaker Jon Burns, Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte, Sen. Billy Hickman - Chair of Senate Education Committee, Rep. Chris Erwin - Chair of House Education & Youth Committee, Sen. Max Burns - Chair of Higher Education Committee.