RICHMOND HILL, Ga. () — For the first time since the city was incorporated in 1962, Richmond Hill will have a woman in the mayor’s seat.

Belgicia Howell-Cowart and Kristi Cox are the only two candidates to qualify for the historic mayoral election.

“It’s letting our daughters and the girls everywhere have role models… we can do this,” Howell-Cowart said.

“It is historic. It’s amazing to think that here we are now in a position where we could have a female mayor,” Cox said.

Both women are wives and mothers, but their stories are unique.

Cox has served as a councilmember and mayor pro-tem in the City of Richmond Hill for over six years. She also serves on three advisory boards for the Georgia Municipal Association and is on the Development Authority of Bryan County.

“I see a lot of things that we might tweak a bit or enhance,” Cox said.

Howell-Cowart is a political newcomer in the area with a long history of volunteerism and service to her community, most notably during Tropical Storm Debby and Hurricane Helene last year.

“After the flooding last year, I said I’ve got to do something. I can’t just be volunteering. I’ve got to get in there and make some things happen,” Howell-Cowart said.

Overcoming adversity is something both women can be proud of. Howell-Cowart is a veteran of the Army Reserve and a survivor of domestic abuse, while Cox lost a daughter to childhood cancer.

Both candidates told News 3 that they’re looking to maintain the growth coming to the area, acknowledging impacts to stormwater drainage, safety and that small town feel.

“I think the key here is the communication. I think us listening to the residents, having those town halls, having the forums, being able to maybe live on Facebook and be able to hear from the people first before we make decisions,” Cox said.

Howell-Cowart echoed Cox and said she wants to see residents participating at council meetings.

“When you rally together as a community, you can make your voice heard. I think it’s more important to show up at those meetings and let people know I am very much against this,” Howell-Cowart said.

Cox and Howell-Cowart talked with News 3 about a number of additional topics. Watch their full interviews below.

Kristi Cox’s Full Interview

Belgicia Howell-Cowart’s Full Interview

Important election dates:

• Georgia early voting begins Oct. 14
• South Carolina early voting starts Oct. 20
• Election Day is Nov. 4