Two Georgia Democrats, Reps. Doug Stoner of Smyrna and Gregg Kennard of Lawrenceville, have declared they will not seek reelection in the 2024 cycle. This decision follows the redistricting process that placed both incumbents in districts with other Democratic legislators. Stoner finds himself in the same district as Rep. Teri Anulewicz, while Kennard is paired with House Democratic Whip Sam Park, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta.
According to AP News, Stoner was first elected in 2003 but lost a bid for reelection in 2012 after Republicans redrew his district advantageously for their party. This time around, he chose to step aside rather than run against Anulewicz, a longstanding friend and colleague.“She will serve my former constituents in the new House District 42 well,” Stoner said in a statement. Kennard also decided to gracefully bow out, mentioning that competing against Park, who had mentored him, would not sit right with him.
Reps. Saira Draper and Becky Evans, both Democrats from Atlanta, will face each other in a primary after being drawn into the same district. Additionally, the forced accountability of the map will see one set of Republicans, Reps. Beth Camp and David Knight, sharing a district and potentially locking horns in a primary foretelling of another internal tussle.
Overall, the Democrats stand to likely gain two seats in the Georgia House with the creation of two additional Black-majority districts around Macon. This is part of a federal court mandate to lawmakers to increase the number of districts with Black majorities. Meanwhile, the three Democratic pairings in metro Atlanta aim to possibly balance out any losses Republicans might face elsewhere. Presently, the GOP holds a 102-78 majority in the Georgia House, as noted by FOX 5 Atlanta.
Kennard shared with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "He’s a really important voice down at the Capitol, so my heart would not be in a race opposing him," Both incumbents now look ahead to find new ways of serving their constituents outside the electoral arena.
