RABUN COUNTY, Ga – Habersham attorney, Thomas “Bo” Hatchett announced late Monday night that he’s considering entering the District 50 state senate seat race. He joins several Republicans who are deliberating their decisions.

In a Facebook statement, Hatchett said:

“To my friends, my family, and my community: Since Senator John K. Wilkinson’s announcement to run for the vacant U.S. House seat in Washington, I have been approached by several members of the community and members of the local bar encouraging me to run for the vacant seat in Senate District 50. I’d like to thank Senator Wilkinson for zealously fighting for our north Georgia values as our loyal Senator. I’d also like to thank my boss and mentor, Dennis Cathey, for his belief in me and his wise guidance as I consider running. Finally, I’d like to thank my family for their unwavering support: my wife, Ashley, my daughters, my parents Tommy and Nora, and everyone else who has reached out to encourage me to run. The community’s faith in me to continue to represent our values plays an imperative part in my decision. I ask that my family be in your prayers as we make this important decision.”

District 50 Candidates

The Habersham County Commission Chairman Stacy Hall quickly announced his candidacy after Senator John Wilkinson entered the U.S. House race last week. Prior Hall stated he wouldn’t run for reelection to the Habersham Board of Commissioners.

In a statement, Hall released, “I am truly grateful and humbled by the overwhelming support and encouragement throughout the district to run for the State Senate seat currently held by John K. Wilkinson. After much prayer and speaking with many individuals across the district, along with the encouragement of my wife Ivy Copeland Hall and our children, I have decided to run for Georgia Senate District 50. If elected, I plan to represent you in fighting for our North Georgia values and Constitutional Rights.”

Hall plans to finish out his term as Habersham commissioner.

Another elected official debating entering the race is state District 8 Rep. Matt Gurtler (R-GA), who previously informed Fetch Your News that he was weighing his options for “the 9th Congressional or the 50th State Senate seat.”

Gurtler’s currently in the midst of a reelection campaign for District 8 and is facing former Enotah Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Stan Gunter.

District 50 covers Towns, Rabun, Habersham, Banks, Stephens, Franklin, and parts of Jackson and Hall counties.

Stay with Fetch Your News as this race and others continue to develop.