GA. State Representative Doug Stoner bows out

State Representative Doug Stoner has announced that he will not seek reelection in the new House District 42 in Smyrna, following a judge’s decision upholding Republican redistricting maps. The ruling found that the 2021 legislative maps violated the Voting Rights Act, leading to the redrawing of maps that placed several state representatives in Georgia in the same house district as others.

In a statement, Representative Stoner expressed gratitude for the trust and support he received during his time in office, highlighting the honor of serving the people of House District 40 as he cited his decision not to run in the Democratic primary for House District 42. Stoner said he plans to serve out the remainder of his term through December 2024 and remains committed to community service in Smyrna, Cobb County, and the State of Georgia.

The newly drawn House District 42 has garnered significant interest from newcomers eager to represent the diverse community composed of residents, businesses, and community stakeholders. As the seat becomes open with the announcement that State Representative Doug Stoner will not seek reelection, a diverse pool of candidates is expected to vie for the opportunity to serve the district. Names being bantered around include Ken Hymes, who ran unsuccessfully for Mayor of Smyrna, but garnered over 40% of the votes. 

The entrance of new candidates into the race for House District 42 is expected to fuel a competitive and dynamic electoral environment. As candidates join the fray, voters can anticipate a campaign marked by the showcasing of diverse perspectives, personal experiences, and policy priorities. As the candidates articulate their visions for the community, voters will play a crucial role in determining who will represent their interests and contribute to the overall prosperity of House District 42, as well as Cobb County as a whole.

The upcoming election season promises to be an engaging and influential period for local democracy. Residents are encouraged to actively participate in the democratic process by staying informed about the candidates and their platforms, attending campaign events, and ultimately making well-informed decisions at the ballot box.