Democrat Corey Foreman, a U.S. Army veteran and small-business owner, is challenging Republican incumbent Ben Watson for Georgia Senate District 1, campaigning on expanding health care access, improving infrastructure and lowering costs for Coastal Georgia residents. District 1 covers all of Bryan and Liberty counties and most of Chatham County.
A Maryland native, Foreman said he was stationed at Fort Stewart in Liberty County. After moving to Bryan County, he got involved with the local Democratic Party and began examining how decisions made by local officials affect the community, particularly those related to growth.
"I am going to be a senator that shows up, is accountable and advocating for the residents," said Foreman.
Foreman also said he
felt residents were not included at the start of certain projects, such as the proposed Bryan County airport. On May 1, 2025, Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill authorizing the establishment of the Richmond Hill-Bryan County Airport. During two public meetings, residents came forward and expressed concern about how the project would be funded.
On Healthcare
Foreman said one of his top priorities is improving access to healthcare. According to a 2025 WalletHub analysis cited by CBS News, Georgia ranks 49th nationally in a report measuring healthcare costs, access and outcomes. He has pledged to expand Medicaid, increase access to mental health services and recruit qualified health care professionals to work in underserved areas.
On Education
State lawmakers passed HB 1193, which is expected to place a literacy coach in every elementary school. Foreman said the legislation is long overdue. He said he would continue advocating for efforts to ensure all students are reading at grade level.
"Georgia is ranked 39th in education compared to the rest of the nation," said Foreman. "I want to make sure that we actually address the literacy problem and we can get kids reading at grade level."
On growth
Foreman said residents should have access to information about major development projects. He said he is not opposed to growth and believes that the right development opportunities can benefit communities like Liberty County.
"Affordability is big amongst all of them," said Foreman regarding concerns he has heard from both Republicans and Democrats. "In Chatham County, infrastructure is a big thing. [I want to make] sure that tax money goes where it should. In Liberty County, one of the larger problems is the median household income is far below Georgia's average household income. We can bring more industry to Liberty County that fits the community that will bring higher-paying jobs for those residents."
Foreman said he is out campaigning nearly seven days a week, hoping to keep his name at the forefront of voters' minds during the early voting period and on Election Day.
According to his website, Foreman's other priorities include reproductive freedom, protecting the region's water supply and environment, workforce expansion and improving traffic flow along Coastal Georgia's busiest corridors.
Who is Ben Watson?
Foreman is seeking to unseat Ben Watson, a physician who has represented the district in the state Senate since 2015.
A Twin City native, Watson was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2011 and took office in 2012 before winning election to the state Senate. Watson has sponsored legislation on health care and coastal development, including Senate Bill 16, which gives doctors more flexibility in practicing medicine across state lines.
He also sponsored House Bill 445, which amended the Shore Protection Act, specifying where construction is permitted on the landward side of a dune.
The Savannah Morning News reached out to Watson for comments on the coming election but he had not replied as of Tuesday, Oct 20.
Latrice Williams is a general assignment reporter covering Bryan and Effingham County. She can be reached at lwilliams6@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Doctor, army veteran running for State Senate District 1 | Exclusive
