State Representative Katie Dempsey (R-Rome) has announced that she will continue her work in the Georgia House of Representatives and will not run for the open 14th Congressional District seat.
“I appreciate all who encouraged me to run for the 14th District and for their faith that I could contribute positively in Congress – which I believe could benefit from running more like the Georgia House,” said Rep. Dempsey. “I will always look seriously at any opportunity to serve my community and state, and this decision reflects my belief that I’m already in the best position to make a difference for Georgians, particularly our most vulnerable. At the Gold Dome, I respect our visionary leadership, value the meaningful relationships with fellow legislators and enjoy seeing hard work solve hard problems every single year. My work in the General Assembly is not done, and I’m honored that the people of Rome give me the chance to represent them.”
Dempsey explained that she carefully considered whether to seek a congressional seat before deciding to remain in state government. She stated, “I’m humbled by the many who reached out with promises to provide both political and financial support for a potential congressional campaign. Over six weeks, I had many productive meetings in Washington and with local leaders here at home, and I have no doubt that we had the backing needed for a serious run at the seat. It was because of this outreach to me that I took such a serious look at putting together a campaign. As I carry on with the people’s work in Atlanta, my husband Lynn and I are committed to working with our fellow Republicans to elect a strong conservative who can effectively represent our magnificent district in the U.S. House.”
Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington), who has served as representative of Georgia’s 159th House District since 2005 after succeeding Ray Holland (https://www.legis.ga.gov/members/house/789?session=1029), commented on Dempsey’s choice: “Chairwoman Dempsey is a workhorse legislator who leads with a big heart, common sense and conservative principles. While those attributes are sorely needed in Washington, too, her current House colleagues are relieved we’re keeping her at the Gold Dome. Every Georgian who cares about access to healthcare or the wellbeing of our children owes a debt of thanks to Katie, and we’ll all benefit from her continued dedication to those causes.”
