Fort bids adieu to Senate as he prepares Atlanta mayoral bid
State Sen. Vincent Fort bid goodbye to his colleagues on the last day of the legislative session as he prepares to run for mayor of Atlanta.
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Fort, D-Atlanta, is stepping down after 21 years in the Senate. Since 2011 he has served as the Democratic Whip in the Senate, the number two position in the Senate Democratic Caucus.
“When we remember the 99 percent, we are at our best,” Fort said, speaking on the floor of the Senate Thursday morning. “I hope that my tenure has at times been one that reminds my colleagues of that.”
Several senators praised Fort's service, including Sen. Josh McKoon, R-Columbus.
“He has been a formidable opponent on many issues,” McKoon said. “If you’re going to tangle with the senator from the 39th (District), you’d better be prepared.”
Fort is one of crowded field of candidates to replaced Mayor Kasim Reed. A recent Channel 2 Action News poll showed Fort second to City Councilwoman Mary Norwood in the crowded field.
About the Author
David Wickert writes about the state budget, finance and voting issues. Previously, he covered local government and politics in Gwinnett and Fulton counties. Before moving to Atlanta, he worked at newspapers in Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington.
