Charlie Harper, candidate for the 28th District seat in the state Senate, has received the endorsement of both the Georgia Association of Educators and the Southern States Police Benevolent Association.

The first endorsement was awarded at the recommendation of GAE members in Coweta, Fayette and Spalding counties. According to a letter from the organization's president, Essie Stewart Johnson, and executive director Drew Albritten, Ed.D., Harper was selected over his three opponents based upon his “commitment to make Georgia's good public schools even better.”

“I am honored and humbled that the fine educators in this district have instilled their trust and commitment in me and my candidacy,” Harper said. “We need to empower teachers, parents, and local school boards to maximize the potential of our children. I feel discipline in the classroom, focusing on fundamentals and allowing flexibility at the local level are the key to our success.”

Harper's endorsement from the Police Benevolent Association of Georgia was based on its political interviews in June. According to a press release issued by Ferman Williford, Metro Chapter president, “Charlie Harper was one of the strongest candidates committed to law enforcement.”

The Police Benevolent Association of Georgia is a division of the Southern States Police Benevolent Association Inc., a not-for-profit professional organization dedicated to improving the law enforcement profession. PBA members are full-time or retired employees of federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement and correctional agencies of Georgia.

The PBA prohibits members from engaging in or condoning any strike by law enforcement officers, electing instead to represent members through aggressive political action.

Georgia's 28th state Senate District includes Coweta County and portions of Spalding and Fayette counties, including all of Peachtree City. The Republican primary will Tuesday, July 18.