Raffensperger To Run For Georgia Secretary of State

ATLANTA, GA -- A state representative and former Johns Creek City Council member has announced he will run to become the next Georgia secretary of state.

Brad Raffensperger will enter the race as a Republican to succeed Brian Kemp, who recently announced he will run for governor in 2018.

Raffensperger, a Johns Creek resident, said his background as an engineer, general contractor and owner of a manufacturing business will aid in his service to the state.

"I have seen first-hand just how easy some states make it to do business, while other states make it hard,” said Raffensperger. “As secretary of state, I will work to ensure Georgia is a friendly place to bring new business.”

Raffensperger is CEO of Tendon Systems, LLC, a specialty contracting and engineering firm with 200,000 square feet of office space and manufacturing facilities in Columbus and Forsyth County. Tendon employs more than 100 workers.

Raffensperger added he's running for the position because he's a conservative who wants to streamline government operations and prevent it from getting in the way of job creation and opportunity.

“As our Georgia secretary of state, I will work with our governor to limit the size of government, cut wasteful regulations that impede growth, and will work to keep Georgia moving forward to bring new businesses here,” he added. “I’m a strong believer in putting taxpayers first.”

Raffensperger represents House District 50 in the legislature. Before he was elected to the state house in 2015, Raffensperger served three years on the Johns Creek City Council. He's a current board member of the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA and attends North Point Community Church.

Raffensperger earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Western University and was awarded his MBA from Georgia State University. He is a registered professional engineer in over 25 states. He and his wife, Tricia, have three adult sons and two grandchildren and have lived in Johns Creek since 1998.

The general election for secretary of state will be held in November 2018. The date for the Republican primary has not been announced.

Image via Brad Raffensperger