Powder Springs State House Candidate, Martine Maignan, Disqualified for Living Outside District

Candidate Martine Maignan’s bid to challenge incumbent State Representative David Wilkerson came to a grinding halt after a state administrative law judge ruled that she does not meet the residency requirements to run for House District 38 in South Cobb. Despite Maignan’s qualification in early March, Wilkerson contested her candidacy on grounds of residency, citing Georgia law that mandates candidates to reside in their district for at least a year preceding the general election.

Judge Stephanie Howells determined that Maignan failed to provide sufficient evidence of meeting the residency requirement. Although Maignan testified about her living arrangements between her Suwanee residence and her fiancé’s Powder Springs home, Howells noted the absence of supporting evidence such as mail, bank records, or cell phone data to substantiate her claims. Furthermore, Maignan’s delay in updating her driver’s license and voter registration until February 2024, coinciding with her decision to run for office, raised doubts about her residency status.

Upon learning of her disqualifications, Maignanexpressed surprise and frustration, insisting on her transparency and honesty in the matter. She has the option to challenge the ruling by filing a motion for reconsideration within ten days, though her intentions regarding this course of action remain undisclosed.

Per state law, the findings of the administrative law judge will be forwarded to the Georgia Secretary of State for an independent ruling on Maignan’s eligibility to run.