OCILLA – Today, conservative candidate for Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper announced a major round of endorsements from nearly every Republican member of the Georgia State Senate. This group features a cohort of strong, conservative legislators and leaders in their communities who have served alongside Tyler and understand that he is the best person to keep Georgia growing strong as our state's next Agriculture Commissioner.
“I am humbled and grateful to have the support of so many solid leaders from the Georgia Legislature, as well as the expertise of such a seasoned and hardworking campaign team,” said Tyler Harper. “These endorsements show that our campaign has the momentum to go the distance for local and family farmers, consumers, and hardworking Georgia families. I look forward to continuing to travel the state and share our message as we fight for Georgia's number one industry and secure a strong win for all Georgians as their next Agriculture Commissioner.”
Endorsing state senators include:
• John Albers
• Jason Anavitarte
• Brandon Beach
• Matt Brass
• Dean Burke
• Max Burns
• Bill Cowsert
• Clint Dixon
• Greg Dolezal
• Mike Dugan
• Frank Ginn
• Steve Gooch
• Russ Goodman
• Marty Harbin
• Bo Hatchett
• Billy Hickman
• Chuck Hufstetler
• Burt Jones
• John F. Kennedy
• Kay Kirkpatrick
• Sheila McNeill
• Jeff Mullis
• Chuck Payne
• Randy Robertson
• Brian Strickland
• Carden Summers
• Lindsey Tippins
• Ben Watson
The Harper Campaign also announced the hiring of key team members, who together bring a wealth of expertise and experience to his campaign.
Billy Kirkland – Senior Advisor
Billy Kirkland brings over 15 years of political, issue and coalition management, and campaign experience to the table. During the 2020 cycle, he served as State Director for President Donald Trump's campaign. Prior to that, Billy served in the White House as a special assistant to Vice President Mike Pence. During the 2016 presidential election cycle, Kirkland served as the Trump Campaign’s senior advisor for Georgia. In 2014, he served as U.S. Senator David Perdue’s campaign manager, prior to which Kirkland served as the National Field Director of the Faith & Freedom Coalition (FFC). Kirkland is the founder and managing partner at PWK Group, LLC, a firm he launched in 2015.
Stephen Lawson – Senior Advisor for Communications
Stephen Lawson is a veteran political strategist with over a decade of experience advising successful campaigns and organizations. He has served in various communications roles, including Rapid Response director for Florida Governor Rick Scott’s 2014 successful re-election and Communications Director for Ron DeSantis’ successful 2018 gubernatorial campaign. Most recently, Lawson served as the Deputy Campaign Manager and Communications Director for the campaign of U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler, directing the entire communications strategy for one of the most expensive political races in United States history. In 2021, Lawson launched his own communications consulting firm, Battleground Strategies.
Matt Littlefield – Campaign Manager
Matt Littlefield is the founder of MCL Government Affairs Group, which specializes in lobbying, procurement, appropriations, and business consulting. As a lobbyist, Littlefield has fought for law enforcement officers, lower taxes, and more patient choice in healthcare, and in 2019 earned the "Top Lobbyist Rising Star Award" from James Magazine. He has accumulated years’ worth of valuable experience, gaining extensive knowledge of the legislative process and playmakers. In 2020, Littlefield served as the statewide field director for Doug Collins' U.S. Senate campaign. He is a lifelong Georgian and graduate of the University of Georgia.
Denise Deal – Fundraising Director
Denise Deal is the president of The Sassafras Group and Southern Magnolia Capital, firms specializing in political and non-profit fundraising, respectively. She served as the finance director for the successful election of Governor Nathan Deal and raised over $16 million for his re-election. She also served as the executive director of Vision 2030, working with Hall County leaders to implement the goals and objectives defined by the community. Deal worked as a government affairs representative for the Georgia Farm Bureau, and she serves as a board member of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. In 2006, she was named to Georgia Trend Magazine’s “40 under 40” list.
