(APN) ATLANTA — This article is the third in a series providing a broad overview of the Primary Election races taking place on May 24, 2016.
Part One looked at State House races for districts that encompass parts of Fulton and/or DeKalb Counties.
http://atlantaprogressivenews.com/2016/03/14/apn-2016-qualifying-overview-state-house/
Part Two looked at State Senate races in Fulton and DeKalb.
This part will look at a Public Service Commission race, a race for U.S. Senate, and several U.S., Congressional races.
PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION – DISTRICT 2 (EASTERN)
Republican incumbent Tim Echols (District 2) will face Republican challengers Kellie Pollard Austin, and Michelle Miller in the Primary Election.
The winner of the Republican Primary will face no Democratic opposition.
PSC members are elected statewide, although they must live in their respective districts.
U.S. HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE, GEORGIA’S FOURTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Democratic incumbent, U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) will not face a Democratic Primary challenger.
Rep. Johnson will face a Republican challenger, Victor Armendariz, from the publishing and media sector, of Chamblee, in the General Election.
U.S. HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE, GEORGIA’S FIFTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Democratic incumbent, U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) has no challengers in the Primary.
U.S. Rep. Lewis will face a Republican challenger, Douglas Bell, a small businessman from Atlanta, in the General Election.
U.S. HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE, GEORGIA’S SIXTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Republican incumbent, U.S. Rep. Tom Price (R-GA) from Roswell will face a Republican Primary challenge from Kurt Wilson, a business owner.
The winner of the Republican Primary will face a Democratic challenger, Rodney Stooksbury, a retired aeronautic, in the General Election.
U.S. HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE, GEORGIA’S ELEVENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Four Republicans challenging incumbent US Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA).
They are Billy Davis, a businessman from Kennesaw; Daniel Cowan, a businessman; Hayden Collins, an analyst; and William Llop, a CPA from Sandy Springs.
The winner of the Primary will face a Democratic challenger, Don Wilson, an investment banker from Marietta, in the General Election.
U.S. HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE, GEORGIA’S THIRTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Democratic incumbent, US Rep. David Scott (R-GA) from Riverdale will not face a Primary or General Election challenger.
U.S. SENATE
Though U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson’s (R-GA) health is a topic of concern, the two term Senator is attempting a third lap in Washington, D.C.
Three Democrats are seeking the Democratic nomination, including Cheryl Copeland, a project manager from Hiram; James Knox, an information technology professional and U.S. Air Force veteran; and Jim Barksdale, an investment executive, and Carter Center board of councilors member from Atlanta.
The Democratic Party establishment is most excited about Barksdale. Georgia Democratic Party President Dubose Porter, Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams (D-Atlanta), and former State Sen. Jason Carter (D-Atlanta) made their support visible at the Capitol during qualifying week by standing by Barksdale’s side.
Barksdale has never held elected office, and is running as a successful businessman who can turn things around in Washington, D.C. The Democratic Party is hoping, once again, to attract swing voters across the state with a moderate candidate.
Two Republican candidates are running in the Primary for Isakson’s seat, including Derrick “TMOT” Grayson, a senior network engineer, minister, and libertarian type from Redan; and Dr. Mary Kay Bacallao, a former Fayette County School Board member, a founder of the Educational Freedom Coalition, who holds a doctorate in education.
The winner of Democratic and Republican Primaries will face off in the General Election.
(END/2016)