State Senator Brandon Beach announced his decision to end his campaign for the sixth congressional district, with the intention of running for re-election in the State Senate. He issued the following statement to the press and supporters:

“Today, I am ending my campaign for Congress. During this campaign, I have come to realize that a calling to public service does not always mean running for higher office.  After speaking with Governor Kemp this weekend, I believe that, at this time, I can help more Georgians in the positions I currently hold and be more effective in the State Senate than in Congress.

Elected office was not my life’s desire, but a calling. I first entered the public service arena as President of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, where I reversed years of mismanagement and debt to create one of Georgia’s most preeminent and well-run business organizations.

That experience fueled my desire to serve in the State Senate, where I demonstrated a commitment to conservative principles by cutting taxes, reducing regulations, investing in education and infrastructure.  We put politics aside and were able to accomplish great things for Georgia.

I still feel strongly that we must elect bold candidates to federal office who can go beyond the rhetoric and advance common-sense conservative policies and practical solutions to the many challenges facing people across the 6th district and our State.

With that in mind, I will qualify to run for re-election for Senate District 21 next year. If I have the honor to be re-elected, I will continue to work tirelessly for the citizens of North Fulton and Cherokee County to ensure a better quality of life and ensure Georgia continues to be the #1 state to do business in.

I want to thank everyone that has supported my campaign with their time, financial contributions, words of encouragement and support. I am honored to have the continued support of leaders like Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan, Cherokee County Chairman Harry Johnston, Cherokee County Commissioner Steve West, Fulton County Commissioners Liz Hausmann and Bob Ellis, and Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood."

Governor Brian Kemp issued the following statement:

“I applaud Senator Beach for his willingness to serve in Congress but respect his decision to remain in the State Senate. Quite honestly, we need bold leadership under the Gold Dome to continue our success and keep Georgia the best place to live, work, and raise a family.  At the State Capitol, Senator Beach has led efforts to cut red tape and eliminate burdensome regulations on job creators.  He has championed crucial infrastructure projects and reforms and worked to protect our conservative Georgia values.  I look forward to partnering with Senator Beach in the years to come to lower healthcare costs, protect our families from gangs, enhance our educational outcomes and put hardworking Georgians first.”