Georgia to hold a Dec. 13 special election to replace Sen. Bethel

Qualifying began this morning at the Georgia Secretary of State's Office in Atlanta to replace state Sen. Charlie Bethel, R-Dalton.

Bethel, 40, won reelection to the state Legislature last Tuesday. A day later, Gov. Nathan Deal announced his appointment to the Georgia Court of Appeals, effective Jan. 1.

Bethel, an attorney who served as chairman of the Senate Insurance and Labor Committee, then resigned Friday, ending a six-year legislative career during which he served as Deal’s floor leader in the Senate chamber.

Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp has called a Dec. 13 special election to fill Bethel’s former seat, which includes parts or all of Gordon, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties in north Georgia.

Eligible candidates have until 2 p.m. Thursday to sign up.

About the Author

Kristina Torres

Georgia cuts programs for foster youth and families citing federal shutdown

Several state programs for families and children in foster care have been suspended or completely eliminated.

How the State Election Board hired the former executive director’s wife

Records show the State Election Board's executive director modified job qualifications and hired his predecessor's wife, despite her lack of experience.