Buddy Carter is a 66-year-old U.S. Representative from Georgia's 1st Congressional District (coastal Georgia including Savannah), serving since 2015 and currently in his sixth term. Before Congress, he served in the Georgia House and Senate for a decade. He is a pharmacist from St. Simons Island with deep ties to southeast Georgia politics. Carter launched his 2026 Senate campaign in May 2025 with messaging framing himself as a 'MAGA warrior' and ardent Trump supporter, citing border security and opposition to transgender participation in sports as key priorities.
Buddy Carter (Earl LeRoy Carter Jr.) was born September 6, 1957. He earned an associate degree from Young Harris College (1977) and Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from University of Georgia (1980). He worked as a pharmacist and served on Pooler city council (1994-1995) and as Pooler mayor (1996-2004). He served in Georgia House of Representatives (2005-2009) and Georgia Senate (2009-2014) before election to U.S. House in 2014. Represents Georgia's 1st Congressional District including Savannah and southeast Georgia coast. Married with family in St. Simons Island area.