Nationwide — Andre Stafford, a Republican candidate for the Georgia House of Representatives, is facing felony child molestation and public indecency charges just days before the state’s 2026 midterm election. He is accused of exposing himself to a young girl near a school bus stop in Smyrna on Oct. 15. According to WLBT, an arrest warrant states that the girl was walking to her bus stop near Lakes Edge Drive SE and Hillsdale Parkway when a driver in a gray sedan approached her. The man allegedly told her she was pretty before exposing himself and touching himself. The encounter reportedly occurred between 8:22 and 8:27 a.m., after which the driver left the area.
Investigators reviewed footage from Flock license plate reader cameras and identified a gray 2024 Kia Forte registered to Stafford. The cameras recorded the vehicle entering a nearby condominium complex earlier that morning, according to the warrant. Police later showed the girl a photo lineup that included Stafford’s driver’s license picture, and she identified him as the driver.
Smyrna police arrested Stafford on Oct. 22. A Cobb County magistrate initially denied bond, citing concerns that he posed a danger to a person or the community. He was later released from jail after posting a $27,720 bond. Stafford has maintained his innocence and said he has no reason to withdraw from the race.
The charges come as Stafford campaigns against Democratic incumbent Gabriel Sanchez for Georgia House District 42, which includes parts of Smyrna and Cobb County. The Nov. 3 election will determine who represents the district in the Georgia General Assembly. Stafford has also participated in Republican campaigns across the state and appeared in photographs with several prominent GOP figures, including state Sen. Greg Dolezal and U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk.
U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, who is running against Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff, confirmed that Stafford volunteered on his campaign. “The charges are sickening, and if they’re true, then he belongs on a list and behind bars,” Collins said