The extraordinarily crowded race for Georgia superintendent picked up another candidate today, when former Hall County Commissioner Ashley Bell announced that he is entering the race.

Bell, who started a non-profit education group and has served on charter school governing councils in north Georgia, is at least the 14th candidate who has announced plans run.

Current Superintendent John Barge is running for governor, leaving the $120,000-per year seat open.

Bell said he will run as a Republican and will focus on transparency and accountability in education.

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Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is the latest Georgia politician to challenge the state's campaign finance laws. He says the laws give rival Lt. Gov. Burt Jones an illegal advantage as they campaign for the Republican nomination for governor. (Jason Getz/AJC).

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Ceudy Gutierrez reads a book to her 2-year-old son, Matias, at their home in Buford, GA, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Ceudy Gutierrez is struggling to make ends meet for herself and her three young kids following her husband’s ICE arrest earlier this fall. (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

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