MATTHEW T. SHINER is thrilled to announce his candidacy for the Office of CHIEF MAGISTRATE JUDGE of Thomas County, Georgia.  Shiner is an Attorney by trade with his office located in Thomasville, Georgia.  He is a father of 3, with all of his children being currently enrolled or having been previously enrolled in the Thomasville City School (TCS) system. 

Shiner first moved to Thomasville in the fall 1994, at that time he enrolled in Thomas University on a baseball scholarship.    During his time at TU, he met his now wife, Kelly, who was born and raised in Thomas County.  Like her, he now calls Thomasville home and has happily raised his family here. 

Upon his graduation from Cumberland Law School in Birmingham, Alabama, Shiner made the decision to return to Thomasville to begin their lives together. 

"Among the many reasons that Thomasville drew us back was my wife’s strong family connection to this area and opportunity to live and work in a safe, vibrant, small community," Shiner shares. "I believe that Thomas County can set the standard in the state of Georgia. To get there, we must identify the dysfunction at every level of government and begin forming solutions so we can provide this community with the excellence it deserves." 

In his 20+ years of private legal practice, Shiner is accustomed to confronting complex legal issues in the lives of his clients.  Shiner is constantly working with numerous clients to accomplish the best possible outcome for both the short and long term goals of each one.  

“I feel like we need a new, fresh perspective in the Thomas County Magistrate Court. I want to do my part to ensure that Thomas County, Georgia remains a safe place to live, work, operate a business and raise a family. I am so grateful for the opportunity to help strengthen our local legal system. The Magistrate Court is still one of the pillars our community. All of the citizens of Thomas County deserve every ounce of my energy and I promise to give it if elected to the office of Chief Magistrate.”

The Non-Partisan Primary Election for Chief Magistrate Judge is May 21, 2024.  The Early voting period runs from April 29 to May 17, 2024.