Augusta, GA — Voters in the Augusta Judicial Circuit will see a contested race for Superior Court Judge this May, as local attorney Alexia Davis Payne challenges incumbent Judge Ashley Wright in a nonpartisan election.
Payne brings nearly 20 years of legal experience to the race, including more than a decade as a public defender, where she represented individuals who could not afford private counsel. Her work included dozens of jury trials and a broad range of criminal and civil cases in Richmond and Burke counties. Payne later entered private practice, continuing her work in criminal and family law.
Well known in the local legal community, Payne served as President of the Augusta Bar Association and has received recognition for her public defense work, including the Stephen B. Bright Public Defender Award. She is also active in community organizations and youth mentorship programs.
Payne says her experience standing beside people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives shapes her approach to the law and her belief that every person deserves fairness and respect in the courtroom.
Incumbent Judge Ashley Wright was appointed to the Superior Court bench in 2017 and previously served as district attorney for the Augusta Judicial Circuit. Her supporters cite her years of judicial experience and familiarity with the court system.
Voting Information:
The judicial race will appear on the May election ballot. Superior Court judges are elected in nonpartisan races, meaning candidates’ party affiliations do not appear on the ballot. Voters are encouraged to confirm registration status, early voting dates, and polling locations through the Georgia Secretary of State’s office or local elections officials.
The outcome of the race will determine who presides over felony criminal cases, family law matters, and major civil cases affecting the Augusta area.
