State Sen. Mike Dugan, R-Carrollton, is running for the U.S. House seat in Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District being vacated by Rep. Drew Ferguson.
Dugan was elected to the General Assembly in 2012. His 30th Senate District includes portions of Carroll, Douglas, Haralson and Paulding counties.
Dugan became then-Gov. Nathan Deal’s floor leader before he was elected Senate majority leader by his Senate colleagues in 2018.
But he lost a bid for Senate president pro tempore at the beginning of last year’s legislative session. Last month, he was the only Republican in the Senate to vote against the new Senate redistricting map drawn by the GOP majority, objecting to changes to his district.
“It is time to get back to a government that works for the people, and I would be honored to be the voice that represents Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District,” Dugan said in a statement.
Ferguson, R-West Point, announced last month he would be leaving Congress after four terms to spend more time with his family.
Dugan spent 20 years in the Army, serving as a ranger and master paratrooper. He retired from the military as a lieutenant colonel in 2008 and currently works as a construction contractor.
The race for the heavily Republican 3rd District seat is expected to draw a large number of GOP candidates. The qualifying period for candidates will take place in March.
Dugan is leaving the state Senate this week to devote his efforts to the congressional campaign. Gov. Brian Kemp will be calling a special election to fill the seat.
Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links, meaning we could earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links.
