Spring/Summer GACR Recap

By Chaston Atkins

UGA College Republicans Chairman Parker Ogle standing with Congressman Mike Collins and State Rep. Houston Gaines while at a campaign stop in Oconee County at the Oconee Stumping Ground event. (Chaston Atkins)

During the course of the spring semester and going into summer break, Georgia College Republicans have been hard at work delivering results for their campus community and for the GOP. They have done so in varying degrees: by supporting efforts from the GAGOP and county parties, campaigning for Republican candidates, and assisting our legislators, both under the gold dome and in our nation's capital. It is essential that we highlight these efforts to demonstrate the dedication and effort that our College Republicans have put in ahead of the November midterms, emphasizing just how important they are to grassroots efforts.

Campaign Work

During the spring semester and going into the summer, College Republicans were fortunate to be able to contribute to many campaigns across the state. Most notably, the CRs were able to assist in the special elections that occurred for Senate District 18 and the 14th Congressional District. In Senate District 18 (including parts of Macon-Bibb), members of the Mercer and UGA College Republicans were able to assist Senator Steven McNeal (then GOP nominee) in canvassing, which helped to deliver a decisive GOP victory for the State Senate and maintain what was already a Republican seat.

Mercer College Republicans door-knocking in Middle Georgia with State Senator Steven McNeal during the SD-18 special election (Jackson Blakley).

Over in GA-14, members of our board worked hard to canvas for Congressman Clay Fuller (then 14th District GOP Nominee) during the special election runoff to succeed Marjorie Taylor Greene. They contributed by completing sign deliveries, door knocking, phone banking, and staffing events. This culminated in helping turn out the vote in what ultimately became a much more competitive race due to low turnout; however, thanks to the works of staff and volunteers that included CRs, the Republicans were able to once again take this seat in the heart of Northwest Georgia.

GACR Chairman Chaston Atkins, right, and GACR Executive Director Daniel Shaver, left, with Congressman Clay Fuller at his election watch party in Ringgold for the GA-14 special election runoff. (Clay Fuller Staff)

Connecting With Candidates

UGA College Republicans Chairman Parker Ogle with State House candidate Ward Black and former Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black. (Chaston Atkins)

Our chapters have been fortunate to become connected with campaigns and candidates all across the state. In doing so, we are helping to foster the connections that will give us the network necessary for the grassroots ground game going into the midterms. This includes forming relationships not only with our state-wide candidates but also with our candidates for local offices and congressional nominees. At the end of the day, politics is about kitchen table issues, and nobody sees that more firsthand than our local officials.

GACR Chairman Chaston Atkins and GACR Executive Director Daniel Shaver with GOP Gubernatorial Nominee Rick Jackson at his election night watch party. (Rick Jackson Campaign)

Working With the GOP

UGA College Republicans Vice-Chair JT Marshburn talking with another attendee at the Oconee County GOP Stumping Ground Event.

The GACR has been hard at work assisting the GAGOP and our county parties in any way we can. Whether coming out to show support or volunteering, the GACR works to support grassroots GOP efforts across the state. That is why members of our executive board volunteered at the GAGOP Rodeo in Perry this past month.

GAGOP Chairman Josh McKoon addressing Rodeo volunteers. (Chaston Atkins)

Our Vice-Chairman, Hayden Thompson, is supporting GOP efforts in D.C. through his internship with the Republican National Committee, where he works in their Communications/Research Department.

GACR Vice-Chairman Hayden Thompson at the White House

Working With Legislators

During the spring semester and well into the summer, our members have been fortunate to work alongside our legislators in the General Assembly to advance common-sense legislation for the people of Georgia. I was fortunate to intern in the Office of Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones during the legislative session, where I assisted with office management, tracked bills and resolutions, managed calls, and in-person requests from constituents and legislators.

GACR Chairman Chaston Atkins, top right-hand corner, featured in the 2026 Lieutenant Governor's Office staff photo.

Some of our members, including our Secretary Thomas Chambers, have spent their summer in D.C. interning with members of the House Republican Conference. This summer, Thomas is interning in the office of Congressman Eric Burlison of Missouri's 7th Congressional District.

Featured on the left is GACR Secretary Thomas Chambers.

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Our College Republican Chapters have demonstrated a commendable commitment to their campus community and the GOP throughout the spring semester and into the summer break. They have supported local and state GOP initiatives. The CRs have actively campaigned for Republican candidates and assisted our incumbent state legislators under the gold dome. At the national level, CRs are working hard to support the GOP electorally through assisting the RNC as well as serving the members of our Republican House Conference. It is crucial to recognize these efforts as we approach the November midterms, as they showcase the hard work and dedication that the College Republicans bring to the table.

Chaston Atkins

Chaston is a Student at the University of Georgia, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Law, Jurisprudence, and the State. At UGA, he is part of UGA's Applied Politics Program and serves on the board of the UGA College Republicans as a Special Advisor to Chairman Parker Ogle. Since 2025, Chaston has served as GACR Chairman.