Fred Swann, former candidate for Agriculture Commissioner
Fred Swann ran for Agriculture Commissioner in 2018 and 2022.
Signature Issues
Protections for the Powerless or Exploited – Swann says he will promote small farms and Black-owned farms, fight for fair lending practices, protect agricultural workers from slavery and other forms of exploitation and punish those who mistreat animals.
End Food Insecurity – Swann wants to end food deserts, which he refers to as “food apartheid.” He says the lack of healthy food in some counties in Georgia is the “result of poor policy choices and a lack of oversight.” He says he would also “focus on expanding our farm to school programs, ensuring that the districts with the most need get first priority.”
Legalize Cannabis – Swann says he will be a “fierce advocate” for legalization and will work to remove “artificial barriers to entry” into the cannabis and hemp businesses so that licenses for the selling of these products are available to more people.
Experience
Swann has served as the chair of the Democratic Party’s 8th Congressional District and as the vice-chair for the Greening, Georgia Democratic Party. He ran for Agriculture Commissioner in 2018 as the Democratic nominee but lost to Gary Black (R).
Election Results
Nakita Hemmingway – 56.3%
Winfred Dukes – 28.6%
Fred Swann — 15.2%
Gary Black (R) – 53.1%
Fred Swann (D) – 46.9%
See other candidates running in the 2022 election in the Athens-area here.