By Elliott Brack
Editor and publisher, GwinnettForum
APRIL 28, 2026 | Ever since GwinnettForum has been published, dating back to 2001 (that’s 26 years), the publication has endorsed candidates in every political race in Gwinnett, and in statewide races.
This year, with 179 candidates for the 59 offices on the Gwinnett ballot, we will endorse again in nonpartisan races. Because of the many candidates, and so little time between when candidates qualify, and the start of early voting, we will today endorse only in nonpartisan elections. We’ll allow Gwinnett voters to determine nominees for the party’s General Election. GwinnettForum will endorse in all of the General Election races before early voting starts in late October.
Early voting for the primary races in Gwinnett County began yesterday, with the General Primary scheduled to be held on May 19. Nonpartisan candidates on the Gwinnett ballot include only one Superior Court race and for two Gwinnett school Board seats.
Now on to the races to be decided on May 19. Candidates with no opposition are not listed.
You can view what the actual ballot looks like by clicking to the sample ballots:
During 2026, the Gwinnett School Board has seen two major changes.
First, because of federal immigration emphasis, and the turmoil created by U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement, Gwinnett County’s school population has dropped from 188,000 to 179,000 students.
The other major change in the school board recently came as it has hired a new superintendent of schools. Dr. Alexandra Estrella will begin in her new position in July 2026. We have high expectations that she can provide the school board with solid leadership and move the board out of the morass that has developed in recent years, to make sure Gwinnett remains among the top school boards in the nation.
Now to GwinnettForum’s nonpartisan endorsements for 2026’s primary:
Gwinnett County Board of Education District 2 (nonpartisan)
Our endorsement of the candidate best to fill this position is currently a member of the board, having served eight years. He is Steve Knudsen, 62, of Sugar Hill. He has four children who are products of the Gwinnett system. His long time experience brings stability and solid background to the board. Together with Mr. Knudsen’s leadership, he serves as an experienced board member who can guide other members in working on this board. His professional background has years of management experience. He is a representative of Ohio Grating of Canton, Ohio, a firm which works with municipalities and utilities across the country. We heartily endorse his candidacy to continue as a school board member.
Gwinnett County Board of Education District 4 (nonpartisan)
Our choice for this position is Camille Christopher, who brings vast experience in construction service and as a long time substitute teacher. Mrs. Christopher, 68, was born and raised in Altus, Okla., and grew up as a pastor’s daughter, living in Tennessee and Texas. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University. She and her husband moved to Lilburn in 1985, and have two daughters who graduated from Gwinnett schools, and one new grandbaby. Her detailed eye from the construction industry as a project manager makes her an ideal candidate for the school board.
Gwinnett Superior Court Judge — Hutchinson (nonpartisan)
This judicial seat became open as the senior Superior Court judge, George F. Hutchinson III, announced he would retire after this term.
Our choice to fill this position is Regina Matthews, a magistrate judge since 2020. A native of Nashville, Tenn., Judge Matthews, 47, grew up in Chicago, got her undergraduate degree at the University of South Carolina, and her law degree from Emory University, and has practiced law since 2005. She and her husband, a Gwinnett school teacher, have two boys, one now in college. She is eminently qualified to assume the Superior Court bench, and we happily endorse her candidacy.
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