Describing himself as an “outsider,” (With all these outsiders one has to wonder if there’s anybody doing anything on the inside these days!) Charlie Fiveash announced his intent to run for the State Senate seat being vacated by Hunter Hill, who’s resigning to focus on his gubernatorial bid. Fiveash, a well-known and respected commercial real estate broker, joins Leo Smith, former minority engagement director of the state GOP, healthcare provider Leah Aldridge, Marietta attorney Matt Bentley and a partridge in a pear tree as Republicans in the race. The Democrats have Dr. Jaha Howard, a Vinings dentist, somebody named Nigel Sims, attorney Jen Jordan -so far. (Paging William Llop, CPA! There’s an election happening!) Feel free to add anyone who I’ve failed to mention or who might be “considering prayerfully with their family” joining the fray. Full release from Fiveash is below.
“Conservative Atlanta businessman Charlie Fiveash announced today that he’ll run as a Republican candidate in the special election to succeed Hunter Hill in state Senate District 6.
“I am a businessman and a political outsider, and I’m running because I believe that’s the type of experience and leadership we need for ideas that will bring greater prosperity to Georgia families,” Fiveash said. “I have lived in this district for 28 years, and my wife and I raised our family here. Our community needs excellent schools, greater access to our flagship universities like UGA and Georgia Tech and a business environment that attracts high-paying jobs.
“As a conservative businessman, I will fight for lower taxes and less regulation, while insisting that the transportation tax dollars we send to the state come back to this district to address our significant congestion issues. Mobility is critical not only for attracting high-paying jobs but also for the quality of life for the people who live in this north metro district.”
With 30 years of experience in the commercial real estate, Fiveash is a partner at Lavista Associates. The University of Georgia graduate is the incoming president of the National Association of Industrial and Office Parks. He is active in his community as a youth sports coach, Sunday school teacher and neighborhood association board member. He and wife Lang live in Atlanta and have three children, with two in college and the youngest a sophomore at North Atlanta High School. They attend Northside Methodist Church.
“We have a short-term election that will have long-term implications,” Fiveash said. “I’m going to work every day to communicate with voters about my conservative vision for Georgia and to earn their support. I’ve always sought ways to serve my neighbors, and I think that’s the kind of outsider we need representing us in the General Assembly.”