We're told that Hunter Hill, the Republican from Atlanta, has begun informing state Senate colleagues that he will not seek re-election to his seat next year – and is instead contemplating a run for governor.
This would be a pretty bold move, given that Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, president of the Senate, is considered the front-runner in a contest that could get underway as soon as the Legislature adjourns on Thursday.
Hill represents a Buckhead district that could give him access to a wealth of campaign contributions. He also sports a resume that could hold great appeal in a GOP primary. From his Senate bio:
In June 2001, Hunter took command of a rifle platoon with the 101st Airborne Division, which he led into battle in Afghani-stan in 2002. Sen. Hill subsequently led another platoon into battle in Iraq in 2003, and he commanded three different teams on other deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In addition to his combat roles, he also served as a General's Aide in Iraq, and earned two Bronze Stars, the Meritorious Service Medal and two Army Commendation Medals.
Here’s the thing: Just in the last week, we have picked up two new tire-kickers – Hill and state Rep. Stacey Evans, a Smyrna Democrat – in the race for governor.
Both would be challenging presumptive favorites. (Evans threatens House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams' bid.)
One theory: On both the Democratic and Republican sides, Donald Trump’s presidency is shaking up politics as usual in Georgia.
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