Politics & Government

Woodstock Minister Jumps Into State Politics

Wes Cantrell is one of three Republican candidates running in the Georgia State House District 22 race.

A minister at First Baptist Church of Woodstock is trying his hand at politics. 

Wes Cantrell has qualified to run as a Republican in the May 20 primary for the House District 22 seat. The seat, currently held by State Rep. Sam Moore of Macedonia, represents portions of Cherokee, Forsyth and north Fulton Counties. 

Both Cantrell and fellow challenger Meagan Biello are challenging Moore to the seat, which was vacated last year with the passing of State Rep. Calvin Hill. 

"A foundation of public service runs strong in this community, and I’m eager to explain my vision for ensuring that the legacy continues in House District 22," he said. "From the late Calvin Hill to the current crop of leaders that represent Cherokee, Forsyth, and Fulton counties in their respective districts, we have a clear precedent for what this community deserves from their representative."

Cantrell is a youth adult pastor at First Baptist Church of Woodstock where he helps lead over 1,5000 members in his ministry. 

He and his wife, Jane, were one of three families who started The King’s Academy in Woodstock where he currently serves as chairman of the board.

Cantrell also taught health education at 27 public schools in the Cobb County School District and taught character education to students at three public high schools in Cobb County.

Cantrell said his mother, Bernadine Cantrell, served on the State Board of Education during the 1980s. His father Wes Cantrell started his career as a copier repairman, and spent his entire career at Lanier Worldwide where he eventually became the CEO of the company helped to build.

His grandfather was a principal and his grandmother served as a teacher at a school in the Free Home community during the 1930s

"My life is centered on an appreciation of the simple truth that all people are worthy of being served," he said. "I intend to campaign like that. I intend to serve like that." 

Cantrell has lived in Cherokee County for 22 years. He graduated from Riverwood High school in Sandy Springs, holds a bachelor's degree in industrial management from Georgia Tech and has a master's of divinity from Southwestern Seminary. 

He has also served on the board of Life Resources of Georgia, which provides training and financial support to pregnancy centers across the state. 

He and wife Jane have four children and they live in Hickory Flat. 


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