Georgia Democrats have mustered a candidate in a southwest Georgia district they've long sought to flip. Except the candidate won't be a Democrat.
Kenneth Zachary submitted nearly 3,000 signatures to the Secretary of State's office this week to appear on the November ballot as an independent. Democrats turned to him after James Williams was disqualified from running against Republican Rep. Gerald Greene of Cuthbert due to a redistricting error that showed he actually lives in a different district.
Zachary has also faced his own ballot turmoil. He was kicked off the ballot in the race for Calhoun County's sheriff after a judge ruled his convictions for writing bad checks disqualified him from running for the law enforcement post.
His supporters say the crime, which took place about 26 years ago, shouldn’t block him from seeking a state legislative seat. And they are prepared to contrast him with state Rep. Tom Taylor, the Dunwoody Republican backed by party leaders despite a recent DUI offense.
Democrats have long salivated over House District 151, the only majority-minority district in Georgia that is now being represented by a white Republican. House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams has put her clout behind Zachary, a former law enforcement officer and pastor, and Williams has endorsed him.
“Whether rejecting Medicaid expansion or failing to stand up for quality public education, the incumbent has acted against the interests of this community time and time again,” said House Minority Whip Carolyn Hugley. “Kenneth Zachary has received overwhelming support from the people of 151, and it is clear they are ready to elect a leader who shares their values.”
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