All U.S. House seats are on the ballot this November, including Georgia’s 14 seats. A lot of people will be closely watching the race in Georgia’s 6th District, which includes parts of Cobb, DeKalb and Fulton Counties. The seat was formerly held by House Speaker Newt Gingrich and was held by Republicans from 1992 until 2018, when Democrat Lucy McBath defeated the incumbent Rep. Karen Handel. Now the two are facing off in a rematch. Here’s what you need to know about both candidates:
Lucy McBath (D) - Incumbent
Background:
Congresswoman Lucy McBath became an advocate for gun control following the murder of her son Jordan Davis in 2012. Jordan was shot and killed following an argument at a Florida gas station over loud music. Following her son’s death, McBath joined Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. As a member of Congress, Rep. McBath is currently on the House Judiciary and Education and Labor committees.
Where she stands on the issues:
- Healthcare: McBath supports proposals making it easier for more Georgians to have insurance coverage and to expand the Affordable Care Act. She also supports protection of pre-existing conditions.
- Jobs & Economy: McBath favors expanding middle class and small business tax cuts. She supports making middle class tax cuts permanent and increasing the minimum wage.
- Candidate Website:lucyforcongress.com
- Candidate Access:
Karen Handel (R)
Background:
Former Congresswoman Karen Handel won a special election in 2017 to fill the remainder of the term of Congressman Tom Price, who became the U.S Secretary of Health and Human Services. Rep. Handel was on the Judiciary and Education and Workforce committees. Prior to serving in Congress, Handel was Georgia’s Secretary of State from 2007 to 2010. She also was the Chair of the Fulton County Commission.
Where she stands on the issues:
- Healthcare: Handel says her plan would provide more private insurance options and protect pre-existing conditions.
- Jobs & Economy: In Congress, Handel worked with President Trump to pass the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act. She says she will work with him again to make key provisions permanent.
- Candidate Website: karenhandel.com
- Candidate Access:
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