GOP Re-Opens Qualifying For House District 52 Seat

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ATLANTA, GA -- Just when you thought the Republican primary candidates for the state House District 52 seat have been finalized, the Georgia GOP has thrown a wrench into the 2016 race.

The party's Executive Committee on Thursday voted to re-open qualifying for the seat, which encompasses portions of Sandy Springs, Buckhead and northwest Atlanta.

Georgia GOP spokesperson Ryan Mahoney said the qualifying period will take place due to the withdrawal of the House District 52 incumbent, State Rep. Joe Wilkinson (R-Sandy Springs), from the May 24 primary race.

Qualifying will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 6 and Thursday, April 7 at the Georgia Republican Party Headquarters. The offices are at 3110 Maple Drive Suite 150 in Atlanta, and candidates must present a picture ID at the time of qualifying.

The qualifying fee is $400.

The move comes on the heels of Wilkinson announcing last week that he will withdraw from the race after alleging supporters of candidate Graham McDonald worked to sabotage his campaign.

McDonald, a former Sandy Springs City Councilman, said he is "supportive" of the GOP's decision.

"I believe that anyone who would like to seek public office has every right to pursue it," he said. "If others want to join this race, I welcome them."

Patch reached out to fellow candidate Deborah Silcox, who also said she was "fine" with the development.

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