Four candidates qualify for special election Georgia House District 94 seat vacated by Karen Bennett

Four candidates have qualified for the special election to represent House District 94, which covers portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. 

Early voting begins on Monday, Feb. 16. Election Day is March 10. The Special Election runoff, if needed, will be held on April 7.  

The District 94 seat was vacated in January by former Rep. Karen Bennett, who resigned amid federal fraud charges. Bennett admitted to illegally collecting $13,940 in unemployment benefits while running her physical therapy company, Metro Therapy, for a few months during the pandemic. She also received earnings as a pastor—$905  weekly—while drawing unemployment. 

The candidates who have qualified for the House District 94 seat, in alphabetical order, are: Kelly Kautz, Audrey Lux, Venola Mason and Ikenna Ugwumadu.

Kelly Kautz is the first female mayor of Snellville. She is a trial attorney who works in juvenile court.

“Kelly Kautz is running for Georgia State House District 94 to be a strong, effective voice for our community. She believes leadership means standing up, speaking out, and delivering real results,” her website states. For more information, visit:  https://www.votekautz.com/ 

Audrey Lux has worked as a legislative assistant at the State Capitol, a forester, and as a lab researcher.

A resident of Stone Mountain, Lux grew up in the district attending Mountain Park Elementary, Trickum Middle School and graduating from Parkview High School. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation from Virginia Tech in 2023.  

 “She is running to act on affordability, civil rights, and transportation, because those issues shape people’s lives every single day,” Lux’s web site states. For more information, visit https://www.audrey4ga.com/about.  

Venola Mason is a mom, educator, and community advocate.

Her web site states that she was raised by a family of hard workers who taught her the value of service.  She states that she has spent her life showing up, not just for her own children, but for every person striving for opportunity, dignity, and a fair shot.

“I’m running to represent every family in District 94 with the same standards, respect, and urgency. My focus is simple: strengthen the systems that shape daily life—education, economic opportunity, and healthcare—so families can build stable, thriving futures,” her web site states. For more information, visit: https://venolaforthefuture.com/meet-venola/

Ikenna Ugwumadu is currently chief of staff for State Sen. Randal Mangham (District 55). Ugwumadi is a lifelong resident of District 94.  His community work has focused on expanding access to quality affordable housing, cultivating entrepreneurship among youths, expanding support for small businesses and being a voice for working families. 

“I’m running to bring fresh energy, lived experience, and a deep respect for the sacrifices that built this community,” Ugwumadu’s web site states.  campaign website said. “To fight for policies that make it possible to build a life here to own a home, raise a family, start a business, and plan for the future. Not just for my generation, but for those who came before us and those who will come after.” For more information, visit: https://ikforgeorgia.com/

Make sure you’re prepared to vote:

To check your voter registration status, poll location, early voting locations and other key voting information, visit https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/.