Doug Stoner to Run for Georgia Democratic Chairman

Cobb Democrat and former State Sen. Doug Stoner from Smyrna announced Tuesday his intent to run for Chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia.

"I am excited about the opportunity to put my party, legislative and fundraising experience to use in helping to build the Democratic Party of Georgia," Stoner said. "It's very clear that Georgia is shifting away from a one party system, and I am prepared to work with my fellow Democrats to shape an agenda for the future."

Stoner, a Kennesaw State graduate and lifelong Cobb County resident, is a longtime Democrat and third generation business owner. He helped rebuild the Cobb County Democratic Party during the 1990s, and was first elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2002.

He had been a favorite among prominent business leaders in Metro Atlanta in the 2012 election, but lost his District 6 seat to Republican newcomer Hunter Hill in a tight race.

Democratic leaders in the region said Stoner is known for his proven track record of fundraising, fund management, and setting priorities he believes necessary to build an effective party infrastructure.

"It is critical to connect Democrats around the state. Just as we've seen in the Georgia Legislature, the priorities of metro and rural citizens may not be the same. So it is with Democrats. It will be incumbent on our party's next leader to build consensus to ensure our success. I believe I have demonstrated that I can successfully build and lead that effort," Stoner said.

He has gathered more than 50 signatures from Democratic State Committee members around Georgia to gain entry to the ballot. The party bylaws require 30 signatures.

"I've been traveling around the state talking to party members, listening to their concerns, their ideas and how to find and elect good Democrats. I am enthusiastic that support to place me on the ballot has come from all over Georgia, from Savannah to Rome and everything in between," Stoner said.