Forsyth's Sen. Michael Williams Enters Governor's Race

CUMMING, GA — A Forsyth County state senator who was the first elected official in Georgia to endorse President Donald Trump has joined the race for governor.

Michael Williams, of Cumming, has joined an increasingly crowded Republican field that includes Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, Secretary of State Brian Kemp and fellow state Sen. Hunter Hill, of Smyrna.

According to his campaign, Williams' quest for the governor's mansion will be based on "radical conservative reform and opposition to politics as usual."

"Voters are tired of the political games and the false promises of career politicians," Williams said in a news release. "People want someone willing to take a stand for what they believe, someone who will relentlessly pursue fearless conservative reform.

"If you want more politics as usual, vote for my opponents. If you want fearless conservative reform, vote for Michael Williams."

In the news release, Williams notes that Georgia has been governed by a Republican governor and legislature for nearly 16 years and yet has "not passed basic conservative legislation" like school choice legislation, expanded gun rights and spending cuts.

First elected to the state senate in 2014, Williams is a business owner who self-financed his campaign, spending $300,000 of his own money en route to defeating incumbent Sen. Jack Murphy.

Williams owned 18 Sports Clips mens' hair salons, which he sold prior to running for office.

After becoming the first elected official in Georgia to endorse Trump, Williams went on to serve as a co-chairman of Trump's campaign in the state.

On his campaign website, issues that Williams highlights as part of his platform include eliminating the state income tax in favor of a statewide sales tax, allowing Georgians to carry firearms without a permit, instituting term limits for all statewide elected officials and keeping casinos out of the state.

Already facing some GOP heavy hitters, Williams may see the gubernatorial field get even more crowded before November's election to replace Gov. Nathan Deal, who must leave office due to term limits.

Former U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston, state House Speaker David Ralston, political strategist Nick Ayers, state Sen. Josh McKoon and businessman Bruce LeVell all have reportedly been considering entering the race.

On the Democratic side, House Democratic Leader Stacey Abrams and Rep. Stacey Evans have declared their candidacies for governor. Other possible Democratic contenders include former U.S. Rep. John Barrow, state Rep. Scott Holcomb and nonprofit executive Michelle Nunn.

Photo via Georgia State Senate