Politics
Politics

Qualifying opens in Georgia to replace GOP state Sen. Charlie Bethel

By Kristina Torres
Nov 15, 2016

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
More Stories

Keep Reading

People line up outside of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Atlanta on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 (Ben Hendren for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Ben Hendren

Georgia cities, counties included in feds’ list targeting ‘sanctuary jurisdictions’

Several Georgia localities on the Trump administration's list have rejected accusations that they are sanctuary jurisdictions, which are outlawed in the state.

OPINION

Republicans’ ‘big beautiful bill’ is a budget-busting boondoggle

Republicans promised for years to finally tackle the national debt and the deficit. This "Big Beautiful Bill Act" does the opposite, while adding perks for special interests.

Metro Atlanta PSC candidate is back on the ballot — for now

Daniel Blackman will remain on the ballot for now, as a Fulton County Superior Court judge weighs whether he is qualified to run for the Georgia Public Service Commission.

The Latest

People line up outside of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Atlanta on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 (Ben Hendren for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Credit: Ben Hendren

Georgia cities, counties included in feds’ list targeting ‘sanctuary jurisdictions’

GOP race for Georgia lieutenant governor just got a little more crowded

Metro Atlanta PSC candidate is back on the ballot — for now

Featured

Savannah Chrisley, daughter of former reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, speaks outside the Federal Prison Camp on May 28, 2025, in Pensacola, Fla. President Donald Trump pardoned Todd and Julie Chrisley, who were found guilty of defrauding banks out of $36 million and hiding millions in earnings to avoid paying taxes. (Dan Anderson/AP)

Credit: Dan Anderson/AP

Trump’s pardons may backfire, former federal prosecutors warn

The president's actions could erode faith in the justice system and deter federal investigators and prosecutors, Atlanta attorneys say.

A Georgia kid placed 3rd in national spelling bee. He hopes to return in 2026.

Georgia fifth grader Sarv Dharavane placed third in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the youngest participant to make the final round.

South Georgia mayor among those arrested, indicted for election interference

Prosecutors say Owens and the 2 election officials improperly blocked voters from casting ballots in a special election. Polling places were locked the morning of the vote.