Four state legislators who represent parts of Fayette County will face political opposition this year.

South Fayette resident Rick Williams will face long-serving Rep. John Yates of Griffin for the Republican nomination for Yates’ seat in the 73rd district. That district includes the Brooks area In Fayette and a large chunk of Spalding County.

Also, on the Democratic ticket, incumbent state Senator Valencia Seay of Riverdale will face opposition from Stephanie Campbell, also of Riverdale.

Rep. Virgil Fludd of Tyrone, a corporate recruiter, will face a July 15 Democratic primary challenge from Connie Biemiller, a clinical social worker who lives in north Fayette County.

And in November, Sen. Ronnie Chance of Tyrone, a Republican, will face a Democratic challenger in Jerry Brilliant, also of Tyrone.

A political newcomer, Rick Williams, 56, lives in the Whitewater Creek subdivision and has lived in Fayette for 17 years. A captain for Delta Air Lines, Williams said he wants to help the state get beyond bipartisan and political bickering to solve major issues such as tax relief, roads, healthcare and drinking water availability.

Williams also noted that some changes have to be made in education since Georgia is still at the bottom of the U.S. rankings.

“I am running to make good things happen from our government,” Williams said.

Sen. Seay’s Democratic opponent, Stephanie Campbell, works in the finance department at the Clayton County Sheriff’s Department. Campbell, 49, lives in south Riverdale and said she decided to run for office “mainly because the citizens of District 34 deserve a senator that is willing to work with the people and for the people. Also, the citizens of District 34 need a senator that the citizens will know.”

Brilliant, 53, has lived in Tyrone since 1990 and is also a pilot with Delta with the rank of captain.

“I am running for the Senate seat in District 16 because I believe the people are ready for change and ready to vote for someone who will be a voice to represent their views and opinions,” Brilliant said. “I am ready to lead and listen to all the people in District 16.”

Legislators who will face no opposition this year include Matt Ramsey, R-Peachtree City; Roberta Abdul-Salaam, D-Riverdale; and Darryl Jordan, D-Riverdale.

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