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10.09.26

Eric Helvy And A Midterm Profile In Courage

A Future For The 21st Century Getting Launched In Georgia

Historic Leadership Opening To Impact Georgia General Assembly,

Eric Helvy

GA Senate District 38

ATLANTA --

With four weeks left before America’s 2026 midterm elections, voters and candidates are stepping up efforts to get to know one another. In the swing state of Georgia where local races are becoming national headlines, all potential shifts in traditional voting patterns are being tracked with unprecedented, keen seriousness.

In the midst of this keen tracking, a select group of critical stakeholders in the state of Georgia are taking a historic stand of courage. There's a future for Georgia they are committed to: a future that's been waiting to be launched in the 21st century. If that future gets launched in Georgia on November 3rd, 2026, this select group of stakeholder leaders will, in no small part, have played a major role in causing that historic outcome. 

One of those profiles in courage -- long-time community leader and public servant Eric Helvy -- is being told here, along with a historical context that's perhaps been long overdue.

The Story Barely Told

Barring three unique exceptions – Meisha Mainor, Melvin Everson, and Willie Talton – there have been no Black Republicans in the Georgia General Assembly since the Reconstruction era -- a span of over one hundred years. 

While federal Reconstruction ended in 1877, Black Republicans were allowed in coastal Georgia to keep being elected until Representative W. H. Rogers resigned in 1907. Rogers' resignation signaled an end of an era in Georgia. The complete legal disenfranchisement of Black voters in Georgia would take place via a state constitutional amendment the following year in 1908. No Blacks of either the Republican Party or the Democratic Party would be elected in the state of Georgia again until 1962.

By then, politics for Blacks in Georgia – and the two major parties in America – had been altered dramatically. 

This 2026 midterm election cycle -- given the unprecedented openings for both GA House and Senate seats -- is an historic leadership opening Georgia's Black Republicans.

Eric Helvy, among others, is running to bring that kind of leadership.

Georgia: Conservative Values, Global Destination

Pursuit of self-sufficiency without reliance on the state is not a new development, historically, in the Black community. Although conservative-leaning Booker T. Washington is often highlighted, having founded the National Negro Business League, different Black movements in America have resonated with the principles of economic independence and business ownership as reliable pathways to individual and community freedom. A large percentage of Black Americans practice and uphold the values of hard work, business creation, and family self-reliance. They generally view small business ownership and entrepreneurship as reliable means of personal and community economic sustainability and empowerment. [Sources include Pew Research Center.]

Georgia has become one of the most economically advancing states in the Southeast region - and in the nation -- in terms of new business and economic opportunities.

In Georgia Trend magazine's 2026 Economic Yearbook, deputy commissioner of global commerce Misti Martin (Georgia Department of Economic Development) explains why Georgia's economic success in fiscal year 2026 -- including over $60.2 billion in exports -- has been so record-breaking:

"Georgia’s success comes from its deep partnerships throughout the state and focus on diversified economic development. From agriculture and manufacturing to logistics, technology and tourism, Georgia is growing stronger by the day. This diversity is one of our greatest strengths.”

Martin adds in the article, "When communities combine their unique assets with the state’s resources, we’re able to attract new investment, support existing industry and create quality jobs in every corner of Georgia."

Irrefutably, Georgia has become a global destination. The potential for sustainable economic growth is not lost on those with a passion and commitment of financial self-determination -- for themselves, their families, their communities, and for their fellow Georgians.

Someone like Eric Helvy.

PROFILE IN COURAGE

Eric Helvy

Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Atlanta, South Fulton, Union City, Fairburn, Palmetto

I was raised in the Midwest in a family with a heritage of being Republican. My great-grandparents, my grandfather, and my mother were Republicans. They taught me principles that were conservative principles: service, limited government, self determination, liberty, self-sufficiency, and optimism.

I did not fully realize how strongly I believed in these principles until, as a young adult, I would find myself in various opportunities to discuss issues in public settings, at community meetings. When I would offer ideas or ask common sense questions, I quickly got feedback: my ideas/questions were not welcome in those rooms. After this happened consistently for a period of time, I started to distinguish that the environment in which I was attempting to participate in was a community of staunch Democrats.

When I shared this with close friends and family, my elders encouraged me. They told me, "Don't let Party define you. You are already you."

I moved to Atlanta after the Olympics for the new economic opportunities taking place. I was a part of the migration, inspired by the possibility of the "New South" value systems. Since moving to Georgia, I have served students, families, and communities across the Atlanta area as a father, husband, educator, public safety advocate, small business owner, and community leader.  I did not enter this race for career advancement. I have built a fulfilling life as a business owner and community leader, and running for office is not a departure from that commitment—it is a direct extension of my lifelong service to our community. 

Everybody has different needs. Every community has different needs. What's not been working for most communities is that their needs, their voices, are not getting included. Whether I am in North Atlanta or South Atlanta, I will listen directly to our business, education, and health community leaders. They deserve leadership that advocates for them, remains accountable to them, earns their trust, and ensures their voices are heard and acted upon. 

While I have always remained grounded in my own humanity, this campaign journey has been profoundly inspiring. Across every background, community members have told me,. I have had people with very different backgrounds from mine tell me, "We want you to continue to run" after I have had the opportunity to listen to them, and speak to their communication. Everyone knows this race is not for the weak. Many of my own community members have not heard of me, other than, "Oh, you're the Republican." Yet, after one conversation at their front door -- or after one community meeting introduction, they will say to me, "You're a good candidate. We hope you win."

There is a tremendous leadership opportunity that lies ahead of us in Georgia -- and in our communities -- in this midterm election cycle. There are a number of seats that will be opening up in the House and the Senate, because those elected officials chose to run for another office. There are key committee appointments, key caucus positions, that will be undetermined until after January of 2027. There will be a significant number of newly elected Senators -- fresh leaders, fresh starts -- filling an unprecedented vacuum of departed, some long-standing Senate leaders.

The opportunity for new conversations, new communications across the aisle, creates an opening for new relationships, and new collective visioning.

Being named Teacher of the Year gave me a sense of victory long before Election Day, affirming that our community deserves grounded leadership. My family and I have a clear plan, and if elected, we will govern with complete honesty—owning our mistakes and serving openly. My goal for two terms isn't just to serve, but to mentor the next wave of leaders who will guide us forward."

Georgia is a global player. Atlanta is a global destination. The new Senate District 38 will take a unique leader -- one that can hear North Atlanta just as keenly as South Atlanta. It's something I am passionate about -- understanding everybody's needs. I am passionate about creating an environment of results that achieve the collective commitment for us all.

Not many understand. I do.

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