Gov. Deal Calls Special Election For 6th Congressional District Seat

ROSWELL, GA -- Now that Tom Price has been confirmed as the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, the state of Georgia can now move forward with calling an election to replace him in the House of Representatives.

And, Governor Nathan Deal has done just that.

Qualifying for the special election to replace Price in Georgia's 6th Congressional District kicks off Monday, Feb. 13 and runs through Wednesday, Feb. 15.

The special election has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 18 and a runoff will be held Tuesday, June 20, if necessary.

The 6th Congressional District encompasses north Fulton County, and parts of DeKalb and east Cobb counties.

“My congratulations to Secretary Tom Price on his confirmation,” Deal said Friday. “I look forward to continuing to work with my good friend and former colleague on behalf of Georgians. This special election will ensure that the residents of the 6th Congressional District have a voice and a vote.”

Following his confirmation, Price submitted his farewell address to his constituents into the Congressional record. The former congressman, who resides in Roswell, thanked his wife, State Rep. Betty Price, for her "love, support, encourage and advice."

“Furthermore, this job and my passion for serving would not have been possible without the support and friendship of my colleagues, community, family, constituents, and staff throughout the years," he statement reads. "It has been a blessing to work with such talented and bright minds to advance positive solutions to some of our nation’s toughest issues and challenges.

"As members of Congress, our first priority is to be accessible and accountable to those we serve, and to help support those living and working in our communities. That is why I am proud to say that since 2005, 164 of Georgia 6th’s most bright and dedicated young people received an appointment to one of our nation’s military academies.

"In addition, we have responded to nearly 600,000 letters, calls, and emails. Our caseworkers and team have had the privilege of helping over 11,000 constituents with federal agencies. Throughout the years, as just one part of our outreach efforts, we’ve made contact with over a million constituents via telephone town halls.

“To all the hardworking, decent citizens of Georgia's 6th District who have given me the privilege of representing them in Congress – I will be forever grateful."

The race to replace Price has already attracted several candidates, including Johns Creek City Councilman Bob Gray, Republican State Sen. Judson Hill, Jon Ossoff, Ron Slotin, State Rep. Sally Harrell, Kurt Wilson and Alexander Hernandez. Another candidate, Josh McLaurin, initially declared his intentions to seek the seat, but decided to pull out of the race.

Image via Tom Price's Facebook page