Sandy Springs Mayor Won't Run For U.S. Congress

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- After nearly two months of speculation, one of the politicians considering a run for Congress has finally put an end to the rumors.

Mayor Rusty Paul, who is entering his 40th year as a public servant, announced Thursday he will not be running for Georgia's 6th Congressional District. The seat is expected to become vacant when the U.S. Senate confirms Rep. Tom Price as the next secretary of Health and Human Services.

The 6th Congressional District covers parts of East Cobb, DeKalb County and all of North Fulton County.

Paul made the announcement during Leadership Sandy Springs' Evening With The Mayor event.

"I may run for something else," he said with a chuckle as the audience applauded his decision.

The job of serving in the United States House of Representatives, Paul said, is not a profession one should start at the ripe age of 64.

Why? It takes 10 to 12 years for older elected officials to even learn the names of newbies. He noted it's taken Dr. Price, a Republican of Roswell, about eight years in the U.S. House to rise up through the ranks.

Paul said he was grateful and humbled by the phone calls and text messages he received from those who encouraged him to run and those who warned against the move.

"It's great to be loved for no matter what reason it is," he added.

While his wife Jan and other members of his family were supportive of the possibility of a campaign, Paul said he enjoys being able to look back on any given day's events and know he's had an impact on a resident's life.

Paul was first elected Sandy Springs' second mayor in 2013. He also used the time to update LSS members and alumni on the City Springs project, transportation initiatives and efforts to update and tweak the city's Comprehensive Land-Use Plan.

The race on the Democratic side to succeed Dr. Price has already received announcements from four Democratic candidates: Jon Ossoff, Ron Slotin, Josh McLaurin and State Rep. Sally Harrell. Republican State Senator Judson Hill has also announced his bid.

Photo: Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul speaks to the audience at Leadership Sandy Springs' Evening With the Mayor. Credit: Kristal Dixon