Richardson and McBath declare intent for the redrawn 6th Congressional district seat as others consider entering the race

Cobb County Commissioner Jerica Richardson has announced her determination to stay in the race for a recently redrawn, strongly Democratic west Atlanta congressional district, even if it means competing against one of the state’s leading Democrats, U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath. Other contenders from communities within the newly established district are also exploring the possibility of entering the race as they evaluate their likelihood of success.

Richardson’s decision sets the stage for a potential primary battle against McBath, who recently revealed her intention to switch back to the newly redrawn 6th Congressional District after being previously redrawn out of her suburban seat for the second time in two years by Republican legislators.

Acknowledging the challenge ahead, Richardson is prepared to face McBath as she emphasized that her focus is on the people of the 6th District as she stated, “I have decided that I’m going to keep surfacing the issues that voters care about because our voters deserve to know we are listening and creating ways to close the gap.”

Richardson entered the race in September when the district’s boundaries included north Fulton County and rural North Georgia, and it appeared solidly conservative. However, U.S. District Judge Steve Jones later ordered the creation of a majority-Black district in west metro Atlanta, leading to the establishment of a new 6th District that includes parts of Cobb, Douglas, Fayette, and Fulton counties.

In an earlier statement, Richardson indicated she wouldn’t run against a Democratic incumbent. However, the recent court ruling upholding a GOP-drawn Cobb map that removed her from her commission seat, may have influenced her decision. 

 Backed by President Joe Biden, McBath is a prominent gun control advocate who has secured three consecutive terms representing different metro Atlanta territories. 

Undeterred by the new boundaries, McBath swiftly announced her switch to the newly created district and emphasized the importance of standing firm against GOP pressure.

Richardson, who was elected to the County Commission in 2020, faced challenges from Republican legislators who altered political boundaries to exclude her. Despite attempts by Cobb to protect her by amending its own map, a recent court ruling sided with the challengers. In response, Richardson clarified that her campaign is solely focused on delivering for the constituents of the 6th District, many of whom are her current commission constituents. “In this campaign,” she stated, “I am committed to what I am always committed to — which is the people of this district.”

As Richardson and McBath prepare their campaigns to vie for the newly redrawn congressional seat, there’s growing speculation within the community that the candidate field could evolve, and as additional candidates enter the race. Community members and observers are suggesting that the new 6th District, with its redrawn boundaries, may attract other candidates who can bring unique perspectives and priorities as well as fresh ideas and priorities into the campaign on a wide range of issues that resonate with the various communities within the district.