Georgia Lawmakers Announce Bids for Re-election

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)- The 2012 legislative session wrapped up today, and now lawmakers are preparing for the campaign trail in what is a unique election year.

This election season will feature all 256 members of the general assembly on the July 31st ballot because of redistricting.

The process happens once every ten years in conjunction with the census. Middle Georgia lawmakers are seeing changes in the number of people and counties they’ll soon represent, because of new district maps.

State Representative Allen Peake says, “I fully intend to run for re-election again if the voters of the new district, which I pick up 15,000 voters in Monroe county, if they want me back. I fully intend to be back.

State Senator Cecil Staton says he also plans run again. “I hope I’ll seek approval of my constituents, and they will give me another chance to represent them next year.

Several of Middle Georgia’s newly elected leaders say they’ve gained experience in this past legislative session. They tell 41NBC they are ready to take on more responsibility. The leaders say they hope the voters who elected them in to fill unexpired terms will send them back to the gold dome.

“I’m much more familiar and aware of issues and the history with issues now so I’m really looking forward to hitting the road again,” says State Representative Robert Dickey.

State Senator Miriam Paris adds, “I’m looking forward to running again. I really had a great time, and I think I’ve really made my mark here in the senate.”

State Representative James Beverly says,” We’re going to do a very good job this year. My campaign staff is excited. We’re ready to do some great things. I’m looking forward to running again.

Qualifying for the July 31st election starts May 23rd.