Charles E. “Chuck” Martin, a Republican who has served in the Georgia House since 2003, is seeking reelection to District 49 against Democrat Teresa Lin in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
Both candidates appear on Fulton County’s sample ballot, which identifies Martin as the incumbent.
“I love this community, and I’m optimistic about where we’re headed,” Martin said in the Roswell Ledger’s candidate questionnaire.
Martin chairs the House Higher Education Committee. His campaign emphasizes tax reductions, college affordability, public services and confidence in election administration.
Background and public service
Martin said he graduated from Milton High School and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in management science from the University of Georgia in 1983. He also completed the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Regional Leadership Institute in 1996.
Before entering the Legislature, Martin served on the Alpharetta City Council from 1993 to 1995 and as mayor from 1996 to 2002, according to his questionnaire response.
He said he owns and operates Connected Strategies LLC, helping companies address business challenges.
Martin and his wife, Johnna, raised two sons, Miles and Lance, in the community. He said they now have five grandchildren.
Income taxes and public services
Martin supports continuing Georgia’s income-tax reductions toward 3.99%, subject to fiscal safeguards.
He cited HB 1437, the 2022 legislation establishing Georgia’s flat-tax framework. Subsequent legislation updated that framework: HB 463 reduced the rate to 4.99% for 2026 and provides conditional annual reductions toward 3.99%.
Martin said that if revenue declines, he would prioritize schools, higher education, public safety, infrastructure and assistance for seniors and residents in need.
Scholarships and literacy
Martin said protecting HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships and expanding college aid are central to his work.
He cited his role in developing the DREAMS Scholarship and legislation establishing a medical-student scholarship program.
The Georgia Student Finance Commission describes DREAMS as need-based assistance for eligible students at public universities and technical colleges. Recipients must qualify for federal Pell Grants and have unmet financial need, among other requirements.
Martin also expressed support for elementary-school reading coaches. The Georgia Early Literacy Act of 2026 establishes a grant program to hire a literacy coach in every elementary school.
Elections and House leadership
Asked about further changes to Fulton County’s elections board, Martin emphasized paper ballots, audits and other verification measures.
He said voters want a board that administers elections effectively and avoids political conflict. His response did not specify a proposed structural change.
Martin said he would support the current House speaker, citing the leadership’s record on taxes, budgeting and education.
Responses were collected through the Roswell Ledger’s candidate questionnaire and have been excerpted or paraphrased for length. Personal background statements and policy positions are attributed to Martin unless independently sourced.
