Longtime kingmakers in Fayette County politics were dethroned recently by newcomers in a shakeup in local republican party leadership. A slate of seventeen new officers submitted by newcomers, mostly tied to the local Tea Party, won in secret ballot during the Fayette Republican Party convention held at Peachtree Christian Church. The new officers include: retired attorney Scott Fabricius (chairman), veteran educator Tyrone Jones (vice chair), business owner Bonnie Willis (secretary) and Dr. John Potts (treasurer). The slate of new officers effectively end a long stretch of power held by former party chairman Lane Watts and his mother, Marilyn Watts, a member of the county’s board of elections.

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Rep. Marcus Wiedower, R-Watkinsville, announced Tuesday Oct. 28 he was resigning his seat. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

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Peggy Harris (foreground) stocks the shelves at Sandy's IGA, which is the only grocery store in town, Tuesday, October 7, 2025, in Sparta. Hancock County has one of the highest rates of childhood food insecurity in the country. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC