Landen Baynard

Landen Baynard graduated from Whitewater High School. Baynard earned an associate degree from Middle Georgia State University in 2023, a bachelor's degree from Middle Georgia State University in 2024, and a graduate degree from Liberty University in 2026. Baynard's career experience includes serving as a pastor.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m Landen Baynard, and I’m running as an independent candidate for Georgia House District 73. I’m a husband, a new father, a pastor, and a working professional who understands what it means to live in the real world, not just talk about it. I’ve spent my career in operations, marketing, and leadership, and I’ve served my community through Civil Air Patrol and local ministry.

I’m not running because it’s easy. I’m running because I saw problems that weren’t being addressed and felt that as a constituent, my voice wasn’t being heard. After reaching out to my current representative about concerns with gaps in mandatory reporting systems and labor protections and receiving no response, I realized something needed to change.

This campaign is about accountability, transparency, and restoring trust between elected officials and the people they serve. I don’t belong to a political party, and that’s intentional. I believe our district deserves someone who will think independently, listen carefully, and act with integrity.

I’m running because I believe leadership still matters, and because I want to leave a better system behind for my son and for every family in this district.

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?

Accountability matters. Too many elected officials stop listening once they’re in office. I’m running to restore a standard where representatives are accessible, responsive, and accountable to the people they serve. When constituents raise concerns, they deserve answers, not silence. This campaign is about making sure your voice is heard and acted on.Independent leadership, not party loyalty. I’m not running as a Republican or a Democrat because I don’t believe either party fully represents the people of District 73. I will evaluate every issue on its merits, not based on party expectations. My commitment is to the people, not a political machine.Real solutions for real problems. From gaps in mandatory reporting systems to concerns around labor protections, there are issues that are being overlooked. I’m focused on identifying those gaps and working toward practical, common-sense solutions that actually protect and serve our communities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about government accountability, child protection systems, and fair labor practices. I believe we must strengthen mandatory reporting systems to ensure vulnerable individuals are protected and that failures in those systems are addressed. I also care deeply about ensuring workers are treated fairly and that labor laws close loopholes that can be exploited. More broadly, I am committed to transparency in government, responsible leadership, and policies that reflect the real needs of families in our district.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to Theodore Roosevelt. He was a leader who believed in action, accountability, and doing what was right, even when it was unpopular. He didn’t wait for permission to lead, and he didn’t hide behind politics when there was work to be done.

What stands out to me most is his willingness to take on difficult problems directly and his belief that leadership requires both courage and responsibility. That is the example I want to follow. I want to be someone who steps forward, addresses issues head-on, and serves with conviction rather than convenience.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, accountability, and humility. An elected official should be honest even when it is inconvenient, willing to answer to the people they represent, and grounded enough to admit when they are wrong. Leadership is not about status; it is about stewardship. If you lose sight of the people, you lose the purpose of the office.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To represent the people of the district faithfully, to listen before acting, and to legislate in a way that protects and serves the public. That includes addressing real issues, closing gaps in policy, and ensuring that government operates transparently and responsibly. It also means being accessible to constituents and responsive when concerns are raised.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy that I stood up, even when I may have failed. Too many people see problems and choose to stay silent because the odds are against them. I never want to be that person.

There’s a quote I believe in deeply: “The standard you walk past is the standard you accept,” often attributed to David Morrison. That idea has shaped how I approach leadership and life. If something is wrong, ignoring it only allows it to continue.

I want it to be said that I saw issues, I spoke up, and I acted. Whether I win or lose, I want my legacy to be that I tried to make things better and refused to accept what I knew wasn’t right.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was working in retail as a sales associate. I held that position for about a year while in high school. It taught me a lot early on about responsibility, communication, and how to work with people from all walks of life. That experience helped shape my work ethic and gave me a strong foundation for everything I’ve done since.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I grew up in a challenging environment that included instability and hardship. That experience forced me to grow up quickly and take responsibility at a young age. It was not easy, but it shaped my perspective, my work ethic, and my desire to build something better for my family and for others.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The relationship should be cooperative but balanced. The governor and legislature should work together to serve the people, but each must also respect the role of the other. Healthy tension is not a bad thing if it leads to better decisions. The focus should always be on results, not political wins.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Georgia will face challenges in maintaining strong economic growth while ensuring that workers are protected and communities are not left behind. We also need to address gaps in systems that are meant to protect vulnerable populations, including weaknesses in reporting and accountability structures. Growth without accountability creates long-term problems, and that is something we need to get ahead of now.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is necessary, but it should never come at the cost of core principles. Good policy often requires collaboration and finding common ground, but there is a difference between working together and giving up what is right. The goal should be solutions that are both effective and grounded in conviction.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

At this time, my campaign is focused on building grassroots support throughout District 73. As an independent candidate, this campaign is powered by local volunteers, community members, and individuals who believe in accountable, responsive leadership.

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The first major historical event I clearly remember is the COVID-19 shutdown. I saw firsthand how quickly everyday life could change and how decisions made by leaders affected families, businesses, and communities almost overnight.

That experience shaped my understanding of how impactful government decisions can be. It showed me that leadership is not abstract, it has real consequences for real people. It also reinforced the importance of clear communication, accountability, and making decisions that consider both immediate and long-term effects.