Savannah Mayor Van R. Johnson, II Endorses Amanda Hollowell for Congress
The Mayor’s endorsement adds to growing local and national support in the open race for GA-01
SAVANNAH, GA (April 22, 2026) — Today, Mayor Van R. Johnson, II of Savannah endorsed Democrat Amanda Hollowell’s campaign for Congress. Since launching her campaign in August 2025, Hollowell has met with community members across the district to hear their concerns and share her vision to put power, policy, and progress back in the hands of the people.
Mayor Johnson joins other state and national leaders who have previously endorsed Hollowell, including Savannah’s past Democratic mayors, the Hon. Otis S. Johnson and State Rep. Edna Jackson (HD-163), as well as from State Senator Derek Mallow (SD-02) and State Rep. Anne Allen Westbrook (HD-163), among others. Last Tuesday, April 14, Hollowell was endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, and on March 19, Amanda Hollowell became the first congressional-level candidate to be endorsed by the Georgia Working Families Party. She also received a 2026 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction.
“For years, I’ve seen Amanda Hollowell’s work up close in Savannah and across the First Congressional District. As an appointed member of my inaugural REAL Task Force, Amanda helped lay the foundation for advancing equity in our community. She has also been a strong voice for protecting voting rights and ensuring every eligible voter can participate.
“Like me, Amanda chose Savannah as her home. Time and again, she has shown up, organized, advocated, and strengthened our community. From coordinating the Savannah Black Heritage Festival to her work across the district, Amanda has brought people together and lifted up the culture and values that make us who we are.
“Amanda understands our communities, our challenges, and our opportunities. She has the experience, the commitment, and the heart to serve. I am proud to support Amanda Hollowell as the next Congresswoman for Georgia’s First District,” said Mayor Van R. Johnson, II, who endorsed Hollowell today.
“I’m honored to earn Mayor Johnson’s endorsement in this race. For decades, Mayor Johnson has served the people of Savannah and fought for coastal Georgia families. I look forward to partnering with him when I’m in Congress to put power, policy, and progress in the hands of the First District,” said Amanda Hollowell, candidate for U.S. Congress.
Georgia’s First Congressional District is currently held by six-term Republican Representative Earl L. “Buddy” Carter, who is vacating it to run for the U.S. Senate. If elected to this open seat, Hollowell would become the first woman and the first Black leader to represent District 1—a long-overdue step toward reflective representation for Coastal Georgia’s increasingly diverse population. Amanda Hollowell is running in the primary election which will be held on May 19.
On Thursday, April 23, 2026, Amanda Hollowell will be joined by community leaders for “Together In Care: A Sexual Assault Awareness Month Event,” a community gathering and press conference focused on healing, support, and awareness for survivors. The event will be held at Johnson Square in Savannah, GA at 1 p.m. “Together in Care” is a space to stand together, uplift voices, and show that our community is committed to care and respect.
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ABOUT AMANDA HOLLOWELL FOR CONGRESS
Amanda Hollowell is a nationally recognized political strategist and the Chief of Campaigns at Color Of Change, the country’s largest online racial justice organization. She brings decades of experience in organizing, advocacy, and leadership to the campaign trail, with deep roots in Georgia’s 1st Congressional District.
Amanda has led transformative campaigns for voting rights, economic justice, and healthcare across the South and beyond. She has mobilized thousands of volunteers, managed multimillion-dollar initiatives, and helped push progressive policies from ideas into action. Prior to joining Color Of Change, Amanda directed national organizing at When We All Vote and led campaign strategy at the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute and 9to5 Georgia.
Her leadership has earned recognition from Essence, Forbes, USA Today, Black Enterprise, and honors from organizations including Georgia Trend Magazine, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Savannah Business Journal’s Generation Next Award.
But Amanda’s most important title is mom and caregiver. Her son, Joah—an alum of Savannah’s public school system and a college student-athlete—and her father, a veteran she cares for full-time, remain her greatest motivation.
For more information about Amanda Hollowell for Congress, please visit amandaforga.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Hannah Vega