Secretary of state reinstates House candidate

Secretary of State Brian Kemp has rejected a judge's recommendation that a Fayette County candidate for state House be barred from the ballot.

Kemp ruled Wednesday that Ronald Mabra meets the residsency requirements to run for House District 63. Administrative Law Judge Stephanie Howells ruled earlier this month that Mabra did not live in the district. State law, however, allows Kemp, as the state's chief elections officer, to overrule administrative law judge's findings.

Mabra faces Linda Pritchett and T.J. Copeland in the July 31 Democratic primary. Pritchett filed the residency challenge with Kemp's office.