Carter, Earl L. "Buddy"

Buddy Carter is a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Georgia's 1st congressional district. Since taking office in 2015, he has served a district that encompasses Savannah and the majority of Georgia's southern coastal region. Before his election to Congress, he succeeded Jack Kingston in the seat. In May 2025, Carter announced that he would not seek re-election to the House in 2026, opting instead to run for the U.S. Senate.

In the House, Carter holds influential assignments on the Committee on the Budget and the Committee on Energy and Commerce. Within the latter, he is active on subcommittees regarding Health, Environment, and Communications and Technology. His legislative work often centers on healthcare and infrastructure, including sponsoring the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2025 and the AADAPT Act. He has also been a vocal proponent of tax reform, specifically expressing support for the FairTax.

Throughout his tenure, Carter has prioritized issues such as border security and school sports regulations. His legislative record includes over 100 sponsored bills, ranging from ocean restoration research to recognizing the clinical roles of physicians. As he transitions toward a Senate campaign, his platform continues to emphasize conservative fiscal and social priorities while representing the interests of coastal Georgia.