Adam believes that anyone who works full time should be able to afford a decent life. In today’s economy, the current minimum wage is no longer relevant. Adam supports raising the minimum wage so working families in South Georgia can keep up with the rising costs of groceries, housing, and everyday life.

Adam understands these struggles personally. He worked at McDonald’s in high school earning $5.15 an hour (minimum wage) and relied on SNAP benefits until he was 26. Growing up, there were many months when the food ran out before the end of the month. Those experiences shaped his belief that hard work should never leave someone hungry.

In the State House, Adam will support raising wages, expanding Georgia’s Earned Income Tax Credit, protecting tax relief for low- and middle-income families, and encouraging fair competition so corporations cannot exploit consumers with unfair pricing.

Strong schools are the backbone of strong communities. Adam believes the biggest challenge facing rural schools today is teacher pay and retention. If we want great teachers in South Georgia classrooms, we need to pay them well enough to attract them and keep them here.

Adam attended a well-run public school in rural Iowa and credits several teachers with changing the course of his life, especially my first-grade teacher Ms Clevinger. Because of those mentors, he understands how powerful a great teacher can be.

Adam supports raising teacher pay statewide while ensuring rural districts can offer competitive salaries. He also believes students should be prepared for every path to success — whether that means college, skilled trades, or entering the workforce. Expanding career and technical education will ensure students can build successful futures without having to leave their communities.

Access to healthcare is a serious challenge in rural communities. Adam supports expanding Medicaid in Georgia and strengthening funding for rural hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers.

Growing up in rural Iowa, Adam experienced the consequences of limited healthcare access firsthand. When he broke his arm as a child, he spent nearly a week at home before receiving treatment because the hospital was far away, transportation was difficult, and the cost of treatment. Experiences like that shaped his belief that healthcare should never be out of reach because of geography or cost.

Adam will support policies that strengthen rural hospitals, expand local clinics, invest in telehealth, and ensure families can build long-term relationships with trusted doctors close to home.

Adam believes everyone deserves the chance to succeed, regardless of where they start in life. Opportunity means access to good jobs, education, mentorship, and the ability to build a stable life for yourself and your family.

Growing up in poverty, Adam often felt invisible in systems that seemed designed for people with more resources. Mentors, particularly strong women in his life, helped him navigate those systems and build a career.

Adam believes the state should do everything possible to expand opportunity by investing in education, workforce training, apprenticeships, and programs that connect young people with real career pathways. Government should help open doors while working alongside the private sector to create economic growth and opportunity.

Manufacturing can be a powerful driver of economic growth in South Georgia. Adam supports responsible incentives that attract new industries while ensuring those jobs benefit local communities.

South Georgia is well positioned to support manufacturing that serves the entire Southeast, including growing markets in Florida. Adam’s corporate leadership experience has given him extensive exposure to how companies choose locations, and he understands the importance of infrastructure, workforce development, and local partnerships.

Adam supports economic development policies that prioritize local hiring, good wages, and long-term investment in our communities.

Agriculture is the backbone of South Georgia’s economy and heritage. Adam believes farmers face many challenges today, from rising input costs and labor shortages to market pressures and changing environmental conditions.

Adam understands rural life firsthand. He spent years living on a farm in rural Iowa and knows the hard work and uncertainty that often come with agriculture.

Adam supports investing in rural infrastructure, including roads and broadband, so farmers can move products efficiently and stay competitive. He will work to ensure Georgia farmers have the support and resources they need to keep feeding our communities and strengthening our economy.

Reliable and affordable utilities are essential for families, farmers, and small businesses. Adam believes the Georgia Public Service Commission must do more to protect consumers from rising power costs.

Across South Georgia, families are increasingly forced to make difficult choices as their dollars stretch less and less. Keeping electricity and utilities affordable is critical to maintaining a high quality of life in our communities.

Adam supports stronger oversight of utility companies, limits on excessive rate increases, and investments in modern energy infrastructure that keeps power reliable and affordable.

South Georgia’s natural resources are one of our greatest assets. Protecting clean water, healthy forests, and productive farmland is essential to preserving the beauty and strength of our region.

Adam spends much of his time outdoors and has traveled extensively across the district, even running many of the streets and roads throughout the community. Those experiences have deepened his appreciation for the land and natural environment that make South Georgia special.

Adam supports responsible conservation efforts, protection of water quality, preservation of farmland and forests, and policies that ensure future generations can enjoy the same natural beauty we have today.

Adam understands how housing instability can impact families because he lived it growing up. After his mother left abusive relationships to protect their family, they experienced years of housing instability and even homelessness.

No child should have to worry about where they will sleep at night. Adam believes stable housing is a foundation for success in school, work, and life.

Adam supports policies that expand access to affordable housing, strengthen support systems for families in crisis, and help working people achieve stable homeownership. Every family in South Georgia deserves the security of a safe place to call home.