6th District Race: Trump's Georgia Campaign Co-Chair Backs Karen Handel

ALPHARETTA, GA -- The Republicans vying to win the closely watched April 18 special election to fill Georgia's 6th Congressional District race continue to trot out endorsements in an effort to keep the seat in the GOP column.

The latest candidate to roll out a high-profile endorsement is Karen Handel, who has been endorsed by Rayna Casey, her office said Monday.

Republican grassroots organizers may know Casey as President Donald Trump's Georgia campaign co-chair for the 2016 election.

“During the 2016 election, I supported President Donald Trump and his promise to shake up Washington and get things done," Casey said. "This is the same reason I now endorse Karen Handel, an independent-minded leader with a proven record of getting results. She has a track record of taking on the status quo and the experience needed to deliver for the people of the 6th District.”

Handel said she's honored to have Casey's backing, as she is a longtime GOP leader who was instrumental in the party's victory in the 2016 presidential election.

“Her confidence in me and my ability to effectively represent the people of the 6th District is humbling," she added.

The news comes on the heels of Handel receiving the endorsement of Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul and former U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss.

Handel isn't the only GOP candidate in the highly-watched race getting attention from national organizers.

Over the weekend, Karen Giorno, the former southeast director and senior political advisory for the Trump campaign, stumped for Bob Gray during the final weekend before voters head to the polls, his campaign said.

Fellow Republican Kurt Wilson also released a slew of endorsements from a wide variety of voters in the district. Those backing Wilson include people of all ages, family, friends, neighbors and other citizens.

"You likely won't recognize all of these names; they aren't politicians or Hollywood stars," his campaign said.

Dan Moody, a former state legislator also running in the race, also has the blessing of other Republican leaders, including Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann, State Rep. Jan Jones, State Rep. Chuck Martin of Alpharetta, State Sen. John Albers of Roswell, former State Senator Chuck Clay and State Transportation Board member Mark Burkhalter.

Polls will open in the district -- spanning from East Cobb to North Fulton and parts of DeKalb counties -- from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18. A runoff, if needed, will be held June 20.

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