Forsyth Mayor Eric Wilson to step down to prepare for State Senate District 18 run

Wilson announced his decision one day after John Kennedy resigned to focus on his lieutenant governor campaign.

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Forsyth Mayor Eric Wilson says he will step down next week to qualify for the January 20 special election for Georgia State Senate District 18.

Wilson announced the move Wednesday in a Facebook post, one day after John Kennedy announced his resignation to focus on his Lieutenant Governor campaign.

“Next week, I will step down as mayor and qualify for the Special Election,” Wilson wrote. “I am now ready to answer the call again by earning the trust and support of the people of District 18 to serve as your State Senator.”

The district includes Crawford, Monroe, Peach and Upson counties, along with parts of Bibb and Houston.

Wilson has served as Forsyth’s mayor since 2015 and previously spent nearly six years on city council. He also owns MedPro EMS, a private ambulance service operating in Forsyth and Warner Robins.

In his post, Wilson said he intends to bring “real-world experience, common sense, and our conservative values” to the State Senate, adding that he wants to fight for “families, communities, small businesses, and values that make Middle Georgia strong.”

Wilson first entered the race in July, joining what has developed into a competitive Republican field. Attorney and family farmer Steven McNeel announced his campaign earlier this summer, and former Georgia Representative Lauren Daniel joined the race in mid-June.

The special election will happen January 20.