By Tiffany Larrabee
Early Interest in Politics
In an interview with Monroe Matters Magazine, Mayor Eric Wilson commented that he was “always interested in politics and government even as a child.” For Wilson, his political career started early. While he attended school in Brantley county, located in south Georgia, he was elected into local and district offices for 4H. Once he was in high school he participated in student government and was elected student government president in college.
After school, Wilson visited his hometown’s court house where he spent time with many of the local officials learning about the inner workings of government work. He recalled soaking up as much knowledge as he could while he was there.
Business in Monroe
Wilson created a business called Go Communications with a friend he had met while attending Brewton-Parker College who shared his entrepreneurial aspirations. The business aimed to help bring telecommunications to towns in Georgia and it was this business that originally brought Wilson to Monroe County.
With stores in Waycross, Vidalia, and Monroe county Wilson had a variety of options to choose from but decided to make Forsyth his home-base stating “Forsyth is a nice hometown.” He went on by saying Forsyth was a welcoming place with kind people.
In 2011 Go Communications was closed and the next year, Wilson started Med Pro with his business partner Greg Tapley.
His Start in Local Government
Eric Wilson became a Monroe County resident in 2002. He joined the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce, where he recalls people commenting that he “had a lot of great ideas,” and encouraging him to run for City Council. In 2007 he ran and lost his first race but that did not deter him. Wilson continued to reach out to people in the community and share his ideas as much as he could and two years later he ran and won.
After serving six years on the City Council he resigned so he could run for Mayor in 2015.
He has since served three consecutive terms. This year marks his tenth year as Mayor of Forsyth.
Mayor Wilson’s Successes
Wilson is quick to share the praise for his successes as Mayor with the local officials and staff that help run the county’s government. “First of all, I think anything you do in these positions you do as a team. They all play a big part in the things that we achieve,” he commended.
Wilson said local leadership has had success in consistently lowering property taxes over his years as Mayor and on City Council. “It started at five and three quarter mils and it is down now to two mils,” he stated. City records would show the official figures by year. He continued to say the government officials in Forsyth try to “maximize and use resources wisely. Because it’s not our money, it’s the people’s money.”
Wilson spoke about how economic and community development was important to him as a city council member and that it carried into his position as mayor. Wilson also wanted to make sure infrastructures and plans were in place to support the growth that they hoped would happen in Monroe County.
In an effort to help economic growth Wilson aimed to welcome small business owners to Forsyth and to create an atmosphere in which those businesses and the people that owned them could thrive. He not only wanted the owners to benefit from these endeavors but also the people of Monroe County.
Parks and community development were also important to Wilson. He wanted to make sure to create safe and comfortable places where the community could be outside and enjoy recreational activities. “Within a city it is important to have a green-space for our residents to enjoy themselves,” Wilson commented.
Communication is a main priority for Wilson who said, “I think it is always important to listen to the people that you serve.” Explaining that he wants to hear about the concerns and problems the community has. Wilson says being “open minded” while listening to these issues is critical to enacting change.
A bridge between government officials is also something he encouraged, leading to the creation of the One Monroe meetings. These meetings have given the officials in Monroe County an opportunity to speak with one another about everything happening within their own positions and boards. Both Mayor Wilson and Mayor Lynn Miller attend, as well as representatives from the Historical Society, Board of Education, Monroe County Hospital, Board of Commissioners, Forsyth Convention & Visitors Board, and the Chamber of Commerce. Wilson spoke of how it is imperative to keep a line of communications between government officials.
Running for State Senate
Wilson is now seeking a seat in the State Senate 18th District which includes Crawford, Monroe, Peach, and Upson counties, along with parts of Bibb and Houston. He cites his background in local government and business as qualifications for the role
When asked why he decided to run, Wilson responded that he believes he would bring a “unique perspective to the race as a conservative common-sense business owner.” With 25 years of experience owning and operating businesses and making payroll for many employees, he feels he understands the plights and pressures other businesses face. He also pointed to his 16 years of experience as a local elected official stating his knowledge of working within local government will help him when voting on laws that will ultimately be enacted on the local level.
When asked about the response he’s seen from Monroe County locals to his announcement, Wilson responded “It’s been great.” Residents we spoke with praised his record and shared their support of his plans to run.
Colleagues that work closely with Wilson had wonderful things to say about his past work with Monroe County and what he has done for the community. “He’s been a great Mayor, Councilman, and an overall great guy,” Jim Finch, Superintendent of the Board of Education commented. Culloden’s Mayor Lynn Miller spoke about how Wilson is an inspiration to her saying “he is one of the most supportive people I’ve ever met.”
In January of 2026 there will still be two years left in the Mayor’s term in office and in March, 2026 when the candidates qualify for their positions Wilson will have to resign in order to be able to run for Senate. At the beginning of every year in January the city council selects a Mayor “pro-tem,” or temporary Mayor, who would take over the position for Wilson in the event that he can’t complete his term until a special election can be held to elect a new Mayor. This means in March when Wilson qualifies for State Senate the pro-tem Mayor will take over the seat until the election in November. There are currently two other candidates who have announced their intentions to run including a Macon attorney by the name of Steven McNeel and a former state representative for district 117, Lauren Daniel. Primaries will take place on May 19th followed by the general election on November 3rd, 2026.
Culloden Mayor, Lynn Miller and Forsyth Mayor, Eric Wilson.
What he Hopes to Accomplish if He Wins
If he is elected to the Georgia Senate, Wilson stated that he aims to help continue the senate’s effort to eliminate state income tax, commenting that he wants the people to be able to “keep more of their hard earned money in their pockets.” Critics question how the state would replace revenue.
Another issue Wilson spoke about was tort reform, stating that he wants to help end frivolous lawsuits in Georgia. Wilson shared his support for the 2025 tort-reform package that Governor Kemp signed, explaining it’s aim to assist in alleviating the burden these unnecessary lawsuits can cause. He stated that these frivolous lawsuits can affect insurance rates and waste tax payers money and Wilson wants to have a hand in making sure this law is enforced. Oponents argue such measures can limit plaintiffs’ recourse.
Public safety and law enforcement are also important to Wilson. He was appointed last year by Governor Kemp to the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council. This opportunity allowed him to see a different side to what law enforcement goes through. According to Wilson, “It is important that at the state level we give them the resources they need in order to be able to do a good job by serving the people and protecting them.”
Mayor Wilson was asked if he would remain in Forsyth if elected to which he responded “Yes, Forsyth is home. I’m not going anywhere.”
On November 3rd, 2026 general elections will be held. Though people in the community said they will be sad to see Eric go as Forsyth’s Mayor, they seem excited to cheer him on in his race for State Senate.
Al Turner (Monroe County Commissioner), Greg Head (Board Chairman District 3), Eric Wilson (Forsyth Mayor), and Michael Dodd (Forsyth City Council member).
