Georgia House District 164 voters will decide on Nov. 3, 2026, who will represent them in the State House. With early voting underway, Republican incumbent Ron Stephens says affordability is his main focus as he seeks another term after 29 years in office. He wants to serve at least two more years.
Stephens’ property tax proposals build on work he says began in Chatham County in 1999, when he co-created the Stephens-Day homestead property exemption.
A statewide homestead exemption modeled on that policy became available in 2025. Stephens says he wants to expand relief further, and has said he hopes property taxes can eventually be eliminated.
He argues that owners may face taxes tied to rising property values even when they have not sold.
Education is another priority. Stephens voted for the Georgia Early Literacy Act, which calls for a reading coach in every elementary school in the state.
He says children need to be able to read as they move toward graduation and continue to college or technical school.
If re-elected, Stephens says he will also focus on mental health services. He said the jail has been Chatham County’s largest mental health provider.
Stephens helped secure funding for a diversion center, which he described as a way to help people get appropriate treatment while reducing the burden on local taxpayers. He said more work remains.
Yolonda Harris
News Now Georgia
