HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — Although Georgia’s next gubernatorial election is still more than a year away, voters had an early opportunity Wednesday night to hear directly from five candidates hoping to lead the state .

The NAACP chapters of Houston and Bibb counties hosted the nonpartisan forum at First Baptist Church in Warner Robins , offering voters a chance to listen, ask questions, and learn about the candidates’ positions on issues including healthcare, education, the economy, and criminal justice reform.

Five of the eight announced candidates participated in person : Democrats Olu Brown, Jason Esteves, Mike Thurmond, and Derrick Jackson, along with Republican Ken Yasger.

The three other candidates Republican Chris Carr, Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Republican Burt Jones

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