D114 Rep. Tim Fleming: From Newton County Roots to Secretary of State Candidate – Episode 56
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On Episode 56 of The Town Square Podcast, host Trey Bailey welcomes back Georgia House Representative Tim Fleming (District 114) for an in-depth conversation about government, elections, and the road ahead for Georgia.
Representative Fleming has lived his entire life in Newton County, raised a family here, and built small businesses alongside his wife, Lacey. After years of public service—including time as Chief of Staff in the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office under Brian Kemp—Fleming is now serving his fourth year in the Georgia House of Representatives.
In this wide-ranging conversation, Fleming opens up about his roots in Newton County, his time navigating the Great Recession as a young County Commissioner, and his unique perspective on how the Georgia General Assembly works. Most importantly, he shares his vision as he announces his candidacy for Georgia Secretary of State.
This episode is part civics lesson, part local history, and part look forward to the 2026 elections. If you’ve ever wondered how laws are made under the Gold Dome, or why election integrity and professional licensing are central to Georgia’s future, this episode will keep you glued in.
Who Is Tim Fleming? Newton County Roots
Fleming grew up on the west side of Newton County, where his parents ran a small independent grocery store on Brown Bridge Road and Highway 212. Those small-town roots—and the values of hard work and community service he learned early—continue to shape his political philosophy today.
At age 25, Fleming was elected to the Newton County Board of Commissioners, making him one of the youngest commissioners in Georgia at the time. But his first four years in office came during the Great Recession, a trial by fire that forced him to make tough budget decisions, including painful staff layoffs.
Fleming recalls walking into meetings knowing that hundreds of thousands of dollars had to be cut. “We cut the fat, and then we had to start cutting to the bone,” he said. These decisions were personal, affecting friends and neighbors he would still see at the grocery store or church.
From County Commissioner to the Gold Dome
After four years on the County Commission, Fleming joined then–Secretary of State Brian Kemp’s team, first as campaign manager, then as Assistant Director of Elections, Deputy Secretary of State, and later Chief of Staff.
He helped manage the Secretary of State’s $35 million budget and 250 employees, overseeing everything from elections to corporate filings to professional licensing. Later, when Kemp ran for Governor in 2018, Fleming again managed the campaign—one of the toughest and most closely watched races in recent Georgia history.
Following Kemp’s victory, Fleming served as his first Chief of Staff in the Governor’s Office, helping to set the tone for a new administration.
Returning to Politics
In 2021, Representative Dave Belton of Morgan County announced he would not seek re-election. With Newton County at the heart of the redrawn district, Fleming was encouraged to run. He did—and won with over 64% of the primary vote and nearly 80% of the general election vote.
Now in his second term (fourth year) under the Gold Dome, Fleming represents a district that includes East Newton County, South Walton County, and all of Morgan County.
Why Secretary of State?
Fleming says his decision to run for Secretary of State in 2026 is rooted in both experience and passion. Having spent nearly eight years in the office already, he knows firsthand how it operates and where improvements are needed.
When most people think of the Secretary of State’s Office, two things come to mind:
Elections
Professional Licensing
Both areas, Fleming argues, need urgent attention.
Elections: Secure, Honest, Trusted
Georgia’s elections have drawn national attention since 2020, but Fleming insists on keeping the focus clear: “We must have fair, secure, honest, and trusted elections. If people lose faith in the system, they stop participating.”
As chair of the House Blue Ribbon Study Committee on Elections Procedures, Fleming has traveled across Georgia hearing directly from local election superintendents, staff, and citizens. His committee is examining:
Voter roll maintenance
Future voting systems (paper vs. machines)
Early voting length and costs
Municipal flexibility on Saturday voting
Fleming emphasizes that solutions must work on the ground at the county level, not just in Atlanta. “If it doesn’t work for local election officials, it doesn’t work,” he said.
Professional Licensing: Getting Government Out of the Way
The Secretary of State’s Office also oversees licensing for hundreds of thousands of professionals—from nurses and electricians to hair stylists and general contractors. Fleming says this system is currently bogged down, with delays hurting workers and small businesses.
“When I left the office in 2019, new licenses were turned around in five days and renewals were automatic,” Fleming explained. “If you’ve met the criteria, passed the checks, and paid the fee, you should get your license. Government shouldn’t be the barrier.”
This issue is personal for Fleming, who grew up in a family that ran a small business in Newton County.
Inside the Georgia General Assembly: A Civics Lesson
One of the most fascinating parts of this interview is Fleming’s deep dive into how the Georgia legislative process really works. For listeners who love civics, this was pure gold.
From drafting a bill, to committee hearings, to the Rules Committee, to floor debate, to the Governor’s desk, Fleming lays out the step-by-step process that shapes Georgia’s laws.
“It’s a team sport,” he explained. “Even a one-page bill involves countless hours of work, revisions, and input from legislators, staff, and the public.”
The 2026 Elections: A Big Year for Georgia
Fleming also previewed what promises to be one of the most consequential election years in Georgia history:
Governor’s race (Brian Kemp is term-limited)
U.S. Senate seat (Jon Ossoff)
10th District US Congressional Seat
Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State
Open seats in District 114 and beyond
Fleming is quick to stress that while he is focused on his own race, voters should expect a flood of mailers, commercials, and debates as 2026 approaches.
A Vision for Newton County
Despite his statewide ambitions, Fleming remains grounded in Newton County. He still lives in downtown Covington and wants to preserve the county’s small-town charm while preparing for growth.
“This is a special place,” he said. “I want us to keep that small-town feel while continuing to improve education and create opportunities for families.”
Important Links Mentioned in This Episode
Tim Fleming for GA: http://www.flemingforga.com
The Town Square Podcast: https://www.thetownsquarepodcast.com
Donate to Support the Podcast: https://www.thetownsquarepodcast.com/donate
Georgia General Assembly Website: https://www.legis.ga.gov
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