Columbus Mayor sets sights on Perdue Senate Seat

Just over a month ago, the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reported that the city’s first female mayor, Teresa Tomlinson, was weighing her options for a state-wide run. Today she announced that the race is coming, but not until 2020.

“I am looking at federal position — the Senate position in 2020,” she said.

Tomlinson and her husband, Trip, reside in the 2nd Congressional District. She said of Congressman Sanford Bishop;

“He’s my congressman and he’s of the same party. He’s my guy. And he’s been my guy for a long time. … What’s the purpose there? What’s the net value to the Democratic Party and the state of Georgia? … What’s the point of that, other than self promotion? And, that, I am not into.”

Mayor Tomlinson has two years left in her second term as Mayor of Georgia’s second largest city. In a prepared statement earlier today, Tomlinson cited several reasons for waiting.

“Resurrecting Sweet Briar College has been nothing short of a miracle. It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to see that storied institution return to its previous vibrancy and to continue its important mission of educating the next generation of women leaders. The next two years are critical to completing its transition and I need to be there to help see it through.”

In addition, she stated that she “underestimated” the reputation of Columbus throughout the state. Tomlinson said if she had realized it sooner she would have been in the 2018 race, most likely for governor.

“I came pretty close,” she said. “Governor is the only thing I really looked into. I think secretary of state is a such an important position, but as an executive — and a successful executive — the experience and the particular talents I have honed are unique for that position.”