GUYTON — Even though he is only 23 years old, Theodore Hamby is no political novice. He owns a degree in political science from the University of Georgia and has been active in Republican circles for quite a while.

“I’ve been interested in politics my entire life,” Hamby said. “I just really want to make a change for the people, make it better. I want to limit government has gotten way out of hand and I believe it starts at the city level.”

Hamby’s reasoning prompted him to announce his candidacy for the Guyton City Council on Feb. 3. He intends to run for the Post 3 seat currently held by Joseph Lee.

“I believe taxes have gotten too high in Guyton,” Hamby said. “A lot of the businesses have started leaving Guyton because of taxes. One of my plans is to increase tax incentives for current businesses and to attract new businesses to Guyton.”

Hamby, employed in a sales position after graduating from UGA last year, also called for more transparency at City Hall.

“I believe every citizen deserves to be kept in the loop and not in the dark,” he said.

Hamby added that he has nothing against Lee.

“I just want to serve,” he explained. “I really starting getting involved in politics in 2009. I started working on campaigns in 2018.”

Hamby worked on Gov. Brian Kemp’s 2018 campaign. He was the youngest GOP field staffer.

“I was also a campaign manager for Eugene Yu. He ran for Georgia’s Seventh Congressional District seat (in 2020),” Hamby said.

Hamby said he announced his intention to run early so that he can build some name recognition. He moved into Guyton about a year ago after previously living just outside the city limits in Effingham County.

Election qualifying in Guyton won’t be held until August.

“My plan is to have a very strong grassroots campaign,” he said.

Hamby doesn’t think his youth will be viewed negatively by voters.

“They think it is refreshing,” he said.