SAVANNAH - U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston (R/GA-1) announced today that he will seek another term in Congress.
Considered a likely candidate for governor, Kingston said he decided to remain in Congress after prayerful consideration with his family and political supporters.
"I've look at the race carefully and believe I can best serve Georgia in Congress at this time," Kingston said. "I'm encouraged by Eric Johnson's announcement. I've worked closely with Eric for many years and would be comfortable with his candidacy. Moreover, it would not serve South Georgia to have us splitting the votes."
Kingston is currently in his ninth term in the House, representing the First District. He is a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and serves as the ranking member of the Agriculture Subcommittee. As a member of the Defense Subcommittee, Kingston has become an advocate for our troops, their families and veterans.
Before election to the U.S. House, Kingston worked in agribusiness insurance and served in the Georgia General Assembly.
"As I traveled the state campaigning and visiting with Georgians from all walks of life, I was thrilled to see the support and encouragement we received in every corner of this state," said Johnson. "Georgians recognize that we need a steady, tested, and experienced leader to address the challenges we face as a state and to build on the progress we've made under Republican leadership. My vision for our future focuses on how we can create new 21st Century jobs, reform education to improve student achievement, and ensure effective and ethical government. Effective leadership is about trust. I hope to earn the trust of Georgians and the opportunity to serve as their governor."
Johnson, a longtime Republican leader in Georgia government has named Jamie Reynolds as finance chairman for the campaign and Steve Green was designated as finance co-chairman. Derrick Dickey is the campaign's general consultant, and Ben Fry serves as campaign manager. Dave Simons will continue to serve as political advisor. Doug Chalmers and Randy Evans will provide legal counsel.
Johnson previously was a candidate for lieutenant governor, but is suspending that campaign after Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle's recent decision to run for re-election.
"I encourage all Georgians to remember my friend Casey Cagle, Nita, and their boys in our prayers today as he undergoes surgery," said Johnson. "Casey is a friend, a fine man, and a great lieutenant governor. I met with him over the weekend to wish him well and inform him of my decision. He has earned the right to be our nominee and deserves the opportunity to take all the necessary time with his recovery. I look forward to seeing him on the campaign trail as soon as he fully recovers and to working with him if Georgians honor me with the opportunity to serve as their governor."
An architect from Savannah, Johnson has served in the legislature since 1992 and held positions including Senate minority leader and president pro tempore. Currently he serves as the dhairman of the Senate Ethics Committee. He and his wife, Kathryn, have two adult children; Marcus, a pastor in Savannah, and Righton, an attorney in Atlanta.
For more information visit www.JohnsonForGeorgians.com.