ATLANTA — Dist. 50 State Sen. John Wilkinson (R-Toccoa) today became the first candidate to announce he will run for the 9th district congressional seat. The announcement came from Wilkinson’s Atlanta office shortly after Doug Collins announced his intention to run for the Unites States Senate on Fox News.

The Ninth District includes Banks, Dawson, Elbert, Fannin, Franklin, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Rabun, Stevens, Towns, Union and White counties.

The Toccoa Republican is a five-term state senator who has chaired the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee the last eight years. He lists his occupation as teacher/farmer.

In making the announcement, Wilkinson said, “This is a critical time in our country and we need an experienced conservative voice willing to stand up for the values residents of North Georgia hold dear. For the past eight years, in Atlanta, I have fought to eliminate useless red tape and regulation of business, defend the sanctity of all life, and fought for our constitutional rights guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment. I look forward to continuing that fight in Washington.”

He received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Masters in Education at the University of Georgia. He and his wife, Debbie, have been married for forty years. They have two adult children and five grandchildren. The Wilkinson’s attend Tates Creek Baptist Church, where Sen. Wilkinson serves as a Deacon.

Dist. 9 State Rep. Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville) told Fetch Your News Tuesday he is seriously considering the race and will decide in the next few days.

State Sen. Steve Gooch said he will not be a candidate.
Other names that have been mentioned as potential candidates in the 9th district congressional race include Dist. 8 State Rep Matt Gurtler and former Dist. 10 Rep. Paul Broun.
Fetch Your News will continue to update the list of candidates.

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