Forum set for 6th District Democratic candidates in North Fulton

Democrats vying for the 6th Congressional District seat will participate in a forum in north Fulton County on April 20.

The forum is hosted by “Needles in a Haystack” — a group based in North Fulton that focuses on “progressive issues and solutions,” according to its Facebook page.

Roswell’s Harp Irish Pub, at 1425 Market Blvd, will be the location for the forum. It will run from 7 to 9 p.m. and is open and free to the public.

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Democratic candidates for the seat — currently held by Republican Karen Handel — include Lucy McBath, Bobby Kaple, Steven Knight Griffin and Kevin Abel. Each candidate, except for McBath, is confirmed for the event. McBath’s campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

• McBath is a mother, wife and businesswoman who had a 30-year career with Delta Air Lines. Her son, Jordan Davis, was shot and killed at a gas station in Jacksonville, Florida in 2012. Since then she has been an activist for social justice and is a spokesperson for "Everytown for Gun Safety" and "Moms Demand Action." She is a graduate of Virginia State University.
• Kaple is a father, husband and a former morning host for CBS46. His wife also works in television for FOX Sports South. The 34-year-old is a University of Miami graduate and told Politically Georgia that his run for office was inspired by the plight of his twin boys, who were born prematurely. Kaple said that hospital bills could have bankrupted the family and he wants to fix the healthcare system. He lives in Milton.
• Griffin has lived in the 6th Congressional District for the past 20 years and has worked in the public and private sectors. He told Politically Georgia that he'd like to see new leadership in the Democratic party.
• Abel is a native of South Africa. He and his family moved to Dallas, Texas when he was 14 years old and Abel went on to graduate from the University of Texas. He has lived in Alpharetta and Sandy Springs and is the founder of Abel Solutions, an IT consulting firm. He is a husband and the father of three children.

The candidates will answer questions from a moderator, followed by an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.

"We will endeavor to explore issues facing the country, the state and our communities," a description of the event from Needles in a Haystack reads. "This will be an opportunity to get to know the candidates with more than a 3-minute soundbite."

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