Doug Stoner to Run for Democratic Party of Georgia Chairman

Former State Sen. Doug Stoner plans to run for chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia. Last November Stoner lost the District 6 State Senate seat to challenger Hunter Hill.

District 6 covers part of Sandy Springs. 

Stoner's campaign released the following statement on his run for chairman of the Democratic Party: 

"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 has a long history with Democratic politics, helping to rebuild the Cobb Democratic Party during the 1990s. He went on to become a member of the Georgia House of Representatives and the Georgia State Senate. He has a proven track record of fundraising and fund management, priorities he believes necessary to build an effective party infrastructure. 

A lifelong Cobb County resident, and third generation business owner, Stoner has proven time and again that he understands Georgia, understands business and understands how to get beyond rhetoric and create workable solutions on the issues.

"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," he said.

Stoner gathered more than 50 signatures from Democratic State Committee members around Georgia to gain entry to the ballot. They 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.

Stoner said the future for Democrats in Georgia is bright.

"Democrats understand the priorities of working and middle class families: education, economy and jobs. Now it's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work to elect people who understand how to get our state back on track," he said.